Research Group Summary
The department of Geological Sciences has been increasingly using geological and geophysical methods for the examination of human history. These include both archeological investigations and modern forensic investigations in the law enforcement and health sectors.
Specific projects within the Geoarchaeology and Forensic Geology group include:
- Non-invasive, non-destructive geophysical mapping of archæological sites, in particular of burial sites.
- Investigation of the variability of the geophysical response of archæological sites as a function of climatic and geological setting, and the correlation of the geophysical response with the structure and stratigraphy of archæological sites.
- Investigation of the stratigraphy of archæological sites to investigate the influence of anthropogenic activity on changes in erosion and sediment flux to document land use changes.
- Investigation of mineralogic and geochemical signatures to determine provenance of artefacts and made soils.
- Trace element geochemical signatures of New Zealand greenstone.
- Non-invasive, non-destructive geophysical mapping for forensic investigations.
- Mineralogy and composition of human kidney stones.