Archaeology, Geoarchaeology and Paleoecology Laboratories

Lab Description

The Archaeology, Geoarchaeology and Paleoecology Laboratories are well-equipped to handle archaeological identification, analysis, preservation, and curation of artifacts, ecofacts, and faunal remains in secure and climate controlled conditions. The laboratory has special capabilities to investigate archaeobotanical evidence, including packrat middens, plant macrofossils (e.g., seeds and charcoal), coprolites (fossil feces), pollen, and ancient starch grains preserved on artifacts and in sediments.

In addition to a substantial archaeological and paleoecological reference library, DRI has extensive comparative collection of plant macrofossils and charcoal, a state-of-the-art flotation tank to efficiently remove samples from soils and sediments, a suite of microscopes, and a table top SEM for sample preparation, analysis, and identification.