Research Interests
- The use of chemical and isotopic techniques to determine the relationship of climate and flora to soil properties.
Recent work with archaeological applications includes:
- The use of stable C and O isotope ratios in soil carbonates to evaluate paleoclimates.
- C isotope ratios of opal phytoliths as an indicator of vegetation change.
- C and O isotope ratios of hackberry (Celtis sp.) endocarps as an indicator of paleoclimate.
- Radiocarbon dating of soil carbonates as an indicator of landform age.
- Geochemical analysis of residues on stone tools as method of determining food processing practices.
Collaborations/associations with ARF members have been made with the late Professor George Dales on the Harappa excavations, and with Desmond Clark on stone tool surface residues.
Research Theme(s):