ACME offers a variety of geoarchaeological service that includes field and/or lab work. Geoarchaeology is the application of concepts and methods used in earth sciences, or geosciences, to interpret or solve archaeological questions. Investigations typically analyze sediments, soils, and landforms at archaeological sites.

Geoarchaeological fieldwork usually involves subsurface exploration that can include methods such as mechanical or hand trenching, boring / coring, and inspection of vertical profiles created naturally or in association with archaeological test units. Subsurface sample deposits are recorded in the field and might be further analyzed offsite.

Paleosols are soil types (usually buried) that formed in the past but are not undergoing soil formation in the present. They are important because they can indicate formally stable land surfaces or past environmental conditions associated with archaeological contexts. Buried paleosols are recorded in the soil/sediment's stratigraphy.

Soil Phosphate Testing is relevant to archaeology because phosphate is one of the most common compounds added to soils by human activities, along with calcium and nitrogen. Phosphorus in an archaeological context is attributed to human or animal excreta, burials, building materials, and refuse or food processing areas.

Macrofossil Analysis on archaeological materials too small to be caught in traditional screens, such as seeds, has been used in floatation techniques since the 1960s. Similar to the floatation method, the capturing, and studying of macrofossils is frequently used in obtaining archaeobotanical data for paeloenvironment reconstruction.

ACME Archaeological Consultants, LLC

Geoarchaeological Services: