Archaeometry

Archaeometry is the analysis of archeological materials using analytical techniques borrowed from the physical sciences and engineering. Examples include trace element analysis to determine the source of obsidian used to manufacture arrowheads, and chemical analysis of the growth rings of fossilized sea shells to determine seasonal variations in local temperature over time.

Modern archaeometry began with the discovery of radiocarbon dating in the 1950s. Today, artifact analyses use excavation techniques, remote sensing, and dating methods that all draw on archaeometry.

Archaeometricians are currently using sophisticated computer techniques to handle the masses of data this field continues to generate.