Archaeological Fieldwork Techniques

From the Greek words "archae" meaning "ancient" and "logos" meaning knowledge. We know very well what branch of science we're going to talk about from here on out. Archeology, a branch of science that involves studying objects that has been hidden, lost or forgotten for many years. Archaeologists will analyze these objects and draw out useful information telling us how humans survived back then, their cultural heritage, traditions, history, customs, basically their way of life.

Archeology compile whatever physical evidence discovered or unearthed form hundreds of excavation sites, documentation and analysis of various data including but not limited to environmental data, architectural analysis, artifacts and biofacts data, and information from human remains.

The goal of this science is to combine these evidence, facts, data and various other factors and explain the origins and development of human culture for the purposes of both historic and present day societies. Archaeologists often go out on field work trying to make sense of it all. They use a variety of techniques and methods to gather their data and come up with a functional hypothesis so as to how things were back then.

We know Archeology is much akin towards the social sciences due to the nature of what they are studying. However, due to the fact that they study human cultures through artifacts left behind, they tend to rely on other branches of science that are remotely related to the social sciences. Archaeologists need to be updated on interdisciplinary knowledge in order to keep pace with their findings in the field.

Among the more popular methods that archaeologists use in the field include remote sensing, geomorphological investigations, lithic analysis and GIS technology.

Remote Sensing

The use of short or large-scale means of getting information such as airplanes or satellite imaging or geochemical or geoelectric techniques. This method is probably the fastest growing method an archaeologist has in his arsenal. The technique involves using equipments like radiometers, seismographs, magnetometers, gravimeters, thermal device, radio, lasers, satellites, radar systems and others more.

Geomorphological Investigations

Geomorphology is the study of landforms. This is only appropriate since most archaeological works happen in deserts, caves, mountains, or wherever there's an ample supply of soil, rocks and dirt.

Lithic analysis

Refers to the analysis of stone tools and other artifacts using science and laboratory techniques. By understanding these artifacts and basing them with whatever information you have gathered so far and scientists can draw conclusions on how ancient civilizations or human culture survived.