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What can damage archeological resources?

Sites continue to be affected by tranformations of their physical surroundings. The degree to which archeological materials are preserved will vary greatly. Physical decay effects archeological materials exposed to elements such as extremes of hot or cold, wind, rain, snow, water, ice, or seismic activity (McIntosh 1999:88). Mechanical deterioration due to climate and human and animal activity determines material preservation, as do chemical processes. Soil composition can spur material decomposition. Biological deterioration results from the action of plants and animals, insects, fungus, and other microorganisms (Hester et al. 1997:134). Humans also damage archeological resources, intentionally or through cumulative use in the course of regular activity.

Mechanical Effects

Mechanical deterioration includes breakage, abrasion, and disassembly resulting from ground pressure, frost wedging, and even careless archeology (Hester et al. 1997:134). Climatic conditions such as extremes of hot and cold, wind, rain, snow, water or ice and seismic activity affect material preservation. Material decomposition is most rapid in tropical climates and less a factor in arid or frozen climates. Human activities, including construction, artifact reuse and careless archeology also break and otherwise damage archeological materials.

Chemical Effects

Chemical deterioration occurs as the result of various amounts of moisture, acids, and bases in the soil (Hester et al. 1997:134). Soil composition—particularly the amounts of acid and alkaline—greatly affects the condition of material remains, not only at an archeological site but also in the laboratory and storage facility. Bone and glass are poorly preserved in acidic soils, yet some organic remains may be preserved therein. In alkaline soils, organic remains decay rapidly, although bone is preserved and may become semifossilized. Insoluble salts encrusted on pottery, bone, stone and metals may damage them. Wood may be preserved in alkaline waterlogged conditions and seawater (McIntosh 1999:88). Proximity to copper, though, helps preserve organic materials.

Biological Effects

Biological deterioration results from the action of plants and animals, insects, fungus, and other microorganisms. Organic materials such as soils, plants, wood, bone, leather, shell, and stone are broken down over time. Sometimes archeologists cannot tell whether materials were damaged by humans, animals, or natural forces.

Human Effects

Humans also damage archeological resources. As discussed in previous sections, unpermitted disturbance of subsurface archeological resources is illegal on federal land. Looters, pothunters, and metal detectorists can damage archeological sites by digging for artifacts. More innocent activities by people can also damage resources. Hikers' footsteps or hands brushing across rockfaces, for example, can have cumulative impacts on archeological resources. Interpretation can help NPS staff, particularly law enforcement, communicate appropriate behaviors to the public.

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• 2. What is Archeology?
• 3. What are Archeological Resources?
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  • What difference does it make if the artifacts get moved?
  • How does all that stuff get underground?
  • What can damage archeological resources?
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