Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
08:14
Atom Probe Tomography Analysis of Exsolved Mineral Phases
Published on: October 25, 2019
Obsidian provenance research in the Americas
1Research Reactor Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA. glascockm@missouri.edu
Accounts of Chemical Research
|August 21, 2002
Summary
This study details a systematic method for analyzing obsidian artifacts to understand prehistoric trade. The research focuses on Mesoamerica and other regions, aiding archaeological provenance studies.
Area of Science:
- Archaeological Science
- Geochemistry
- Material Characterization
Background:
- Provenance research in archaeology is crucial for understanding past human interactions.
- Volcanic obsidian is an ideal material for tracing prehistoric trade due to its unique chemical signature.
- Systematic characterization methods are needed to analyze obsidian sources and artifacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and present a systematic methodology for the characterization of obsidian.
- To support archaeological provenance research through material analysis.
- To apply the methodology to obsidian from Mesoamerica and other regions of the Americas.
Main Methods:
- Development of a systematic analytical methodology for obsidian characterization.
- Application of the methodology to identify and analyze obsidian sources.
- Analysis of obsidian artifacts to determine their origin and support provenance research.
Main Results:
- A robust methodology for obsidian characterization has been established.
- The methodology enables the differentiation of various obsidian sources.
- Successful application of the method supports archaeological investigations of trade networks.
Conclusions:
- The developed systematic methodology is effective for obsidian provenance research.
- This approach enhances the understanding of prehistoric trade and exchange systems.
- The characterization of obsidian provides valuable insights into past human mobility and interaction.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:40Archival Research
Some researchers gain access to large amounts of data without interacting with a single research participant. Instead, they use existing records to answer various research questions. This type of research approach is known as archival research. Archival research relies on looking at past records or data sets to look for interesting patterns or relationships. For example, a researcher might access the academic records of all individuals who enrolled in college within the past ten years and...
02:56The Fossil Record
The fossil record documents only a small fraction of all organisms that have ever inhabited Earth. Fossilization is a rare process, and most organisms never become fossils. Moreover, the fossil record only exhibits fossils that have been discovered. Nevertheless, sedimentary rock fossils of long-lived, abundant, hard-bodied organisms dominate the fossil record. These fossils offer valuable information, such as an organism's physical form, behavior, and age. Studying the fossil record helps...
01:08Outliers and Influential Points
An outlier is an observation of data that does not fit the rest of the data. It is sometimes called an extreme value. When you graph an outlier, it will appear not to fit the pattern of the graph. Some outliers are due to mistakes (for example, writing down 50 instead of 500), while others may indicate that something unusual is happening. Outliers are present far from the least squares line in the vertical direction. They have large "errors," where the "error" or residual is the vertical...
01:11Observational Studies
Observational studies are a type of analytical study where researchers observe events without any interventions. In other words, the researcher does not influence the response variable or the experiment's outcome.
There are three types of observational studies – Prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional.
Prospective Study
Prospective studies, also known as longitudinal or cohort studies, are carried out by collecting future data from groups sharing similar characteristics. One example of...
There are three types of observational studies – Prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional.
Prospective Study
Prospective studies, also known as longitudinal or cohort studies, are carried out by collecting future data from groups sharing similar characteristics. One example of...
01:15Quarrying of Stone
Quarrying is the process of extracting stone from a quarry, where specialized techniques are employed to remove large blocks of stone safely and efficiently. This process can involve controlled explosions or more precision-oriented methods such as cutting and drilling.
One common method involves using a diamond belt saw to cut large blocks from the quarry face. These blocks can be about 50 feet long and 12 feet high. After the initial vertical cut, drilling is performed at the base of the block.
One common method involves using a diamond belt saw to cut large blocks from the quarry face. These blocks can be about 50 feet long and 12 feet high. After the initial vertical cut, drilling is performed at the base of the block.
01:20Porosity and Absorption of Aggregate
Aggregates contain pores of varying sizes; while some are completely enclosed within the particles, others open onto the surface, allowing water to penetrate. The porosity of aggregates is a major factor contributing to the overall porosity of concrete, given that aggregates constitute about three-quarters of concrete's volume.
When all pores in an aggregate are filled with water, the aggregate is considered saturated and surface-dry. If left in dry air, water will evaporate until the aggregate...
When all pores in an aggregate are filled with water, the aggregate is considered saturated and surface-dry. If left in dry air, water will evaporate until the aggregate...