Archeologists use several methods to establish absolute chronology including radiocarbon dating, obsidian hydration, thermoluminescence, dendrochronology, historical records, mean ceramic dating, and pipe stem dating. Each of these methods is explained in this section.

What are the methods of Archaeology?

Instead, it leaves the buried archaeology for future generations when techniques of excavation might be even better.Google Earth. LIDAR. Drones. Shallow geophysics. Soil geochemistry. Ground penetrating radar.7 Dec 2015

Which method is used to date fossils in archeology?

radiocarbon dating Scientists called geochronologists are experts in dating rocks and fossils, and can often date fossils younger than around 50,000 years old using radiocarbon dating. This method has been used to provide dates for all kinds of interesting material like cave rock art and fossilized poop.

Is archeology a science?

But although archaeology uses extensively the methods, techniques, and results of the physical and biological sciences, it is not a natural science; some consider it a discipline that is half science and half humanity.

What are the four main categories of archaeological data?

All archaeological materials can be grouped into four main categories: (1) artifacts, (2) ecofacts, (3) structures, and (4) features associated with human activity. Artifacts and ecofacts are portable and thus can be removed from the site to be analyzed by specialists.

What are the two main branches of archaeology?

The two main types are prehistoric and historic archaeology. Prehistoric archaeology refers to the study of human prehistory, or the period of human history before written records existed. This comprises most of our human past.