Natural Processes of Decay and Preservation

A set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to natural processes of decay and preservation as discussed in the lecture.

Natural formation process

Processes that lead to the decay and preservation of artifacts.

Inorganic materials

Tools or items such as pottery, stone, and metal that are difficult to destroy.

Bronze oxidation

Bronze typically oxidizes to a green or brown color and usually survives.

Corrosion

The process by which metals such as iron may disintegrate, often in acidic soils.

Organic materials

Biological materials such as bones and wood, whose survival depends on environmental factors.

Soil pH

Level of acidity in soil that affects the preservation of organic materials.

Peat bogs

Wetland areas that preserve materials due to their acidic and anaerobic conditions.

Otzi the Ice Man

A well-preserved mummy from 3200 BCE found in the Alps.

Waterlogged preservation

Condition under which organic materials are preserved due to being submerged in water.

Must Farm

A Bronze Age village in East Anglia where houses were preserved by fire and water.

Bronze Age tools

Artifacts found at Must Farm, indicating the community engaged in farming.

Pottery Analysis

Study of pottery from Must Farm, revealing living conditions and sudden evacuation.

Palisade

A fence or wall that could indicate the community’s method of defense.

Natural disasters

Events like strong storms that can lead to preservation by burying artifacts in sand.

Tropical climate

Climate characterized by accelerated decay of organic materials due to high vegetation and humidity.

Roman iron nails

Iron artifacts from the Roman period that are often badly corroded.