Southern Cross University Analytical Hub (Lismore campus)
Advancing Geochemistry and Geochronology in Cultural Heritage (ICPD #2 Postdoc-level project Year 1)
This project aims to develop and refine advanced analytical approaches to characterise, date, and interpret heritage materials, translating these into robust, quantitative evidence frameworks that can underpin decision-making in heritage and industry contexts.
A key focus will be addressing critical limitations in Australian arid-zone archaeology, where poor preservation of charcoal and shell constrains the application of radiocarbon dating and has led to a heavy reliance on luminescence methods. The project will develop and validate alternative geochronological approaches using gypsum and soil carbonates, which are ubiquitous in these environments, through U-Series and ESR techniques. It will also explore novel sources of radiocarbon, including phytoliths and pollen preserved within mineral matrices, to augment existing chronologies.
By expanding the range of datable materials and integrating these approaches into broader analytical workflows, the project will provide more robust and directly relevant chronological frameworks for cultural and palaeoenvironmental interpretation, strengthening the scientific basis of heritage assessment across diverse landscapes.
