Inorganic Geochemical Methods in Archaeological Prospection

Geochemical survey can define variations (or anomalies) in element concentrations of soil samples as a proxy of past human occupation. Whilst inorganic chemical analyses have demonstrated their potential in archaeological prospection, there is a lack of standardised methodologies and procedures to undertake these surveys. This work reviews some general principles, common methods and current approaches in geochemical prospection of archaeological sites and provides some guidelines and fieldwork strategies to be used in future surveys.