Search results for " thin section"

Introducing anatomical techniques to subfossil wood

2018

Abstract Successful cross-dating of subfossil wood, ideally in combination with precise information on germination and dieback, requires the accurate detection of tree-ring width (TRW) boundaries along continuous measurement tracks from pith to bark. However, wood decay and the mechanical deformation of cells often challenge the dendrochronological analysis and subsequent paleoclimatic and environmental interpretations. Here, we show that wood anatomical techniques can improve the assessment of heavily degraded and/or deformed material. We apply state-of-the-art sample preparation, thin sectioning and double-staining to a unique collection of Late Glacial pines that were growing ∼13,000 yea…

ANALISI ARCHEOMETRICHE SU CERAMICHE DA FUOCO TARDOANTICHE DA DYRRACHION (ALBANIA): NUOVI DATI.

2010

This work, together with a paper previously published on LRCW2, allows a first classification of the ceramic manufactures wellmatched with the geolithological characteristics of the district of Durrës (Albania). In the earlier phase of the research archaeological and archaeometric studies were carried out on selected samples representative of cooking ware forms brought to light in late roman layers of abandonment of a thermal complex located in Dyrrachion (Durrës) and dated back to the end of the 1st and the beginning of the 2nd century AD. The polarizing microscope observation of thin sections permitted the petrographic classification of 10 selected samples into 5 ceramic pastes, which wer…

Ceramic raw materials: how to recognize them and locate the supply basins—mineralogy, petrography

2020

This tutorial paper is focused on the mineralogical-petrographic characterization of clayey raw materials with the purpose of sourcing supply basins and answering questions about the provenance of the corresponding archaeological ceramic artefacts. The first part gives general indications of how to profitably study archaeological ceramic thin sections through the polarizing microscope. Brief notes are provided on the theoretical basis of optical microscopy. A scheme is then provided for the petrographic description of ceramic samples, concerning the textural and compositional characteristics of aplastic inclusions and groundmass. Suggestions are also given for identifying any minero-petrogr…

Characterization of stucco works by means of simultaneous thermal analysis

2008

The skill in materials selection and processing at the Serpotta's studio during the baroque period in Palermo

2010

Calcestruzzi delle Aviorimesse per Idrovolanti di Pier Luigi Nervi a Marsala (1940-41). Composizione e Tessitura

2008

Archaeometric evidence attesting production of indigenous archaic pottery at Monte Polizzo (Western Sicily)

2012

Excavations at the proto-urban indigenous settlement of Monte Polizzo (western Sicily) have not yielded so far any evidence of in-situ ceramic production (i.e. kiln structures). However several archaeological concerns put forward to consider it as a likely production centre of pottery during the Archaic age. In this paper a first attempt to check the compositional correspondence between ceramic fabrics and local clay sources has been made. A comprehensive archaeometric investigation of native pottery, mainly composed of matte-painted table ware dated from the 7th to the 4th century BC, recovered from the Acropolis of Monte Polizzo has allowed the identification of five distinct ‘Paste Compo…

The wall paintings of the Roman Villa at Piazza Armerina in Sicily

2010

L'uso del Gesso nelle Costruzioni del Vallo di Mazara in Sicilia

2008

Le malte idrauliche dell’Acquedotto Romano di Termini Imerese

2009

Aim of this paper is the characterization of ancient hydraulic mortars from the roman water supply system of Thermae (I-II cent. A.D.), known as “Aqua Cornelia” and "Figurella" aqueducts, more than 10 kilometers long. Because of malfunctioning of the "Barratina" siphon, major changes in the original adduction system were realized in several steps. Mortar samples were taken from both channels lining materials and structural elements, in order to contribute to answer some questions about the construction phases of the aqueduct. The materials characterization was performed by means of XRD analysis, optical microscopy, microRaman spectroscopy and simultaneous thermal analysis. The latter is a u…