Publication: Exploring the Role of Soil Studies in Irish Archaeological Prospection

I have contributed a chapter to the new book World Archaeo-Geophysics: Integrated minimally invasive approaches using country-based examples, which emphasizes the essential role of soil science in archaeological prospection strategies in Ireland. This work reviews the challenges posed by the country’s unique geology and soils. Through six case studies, I demonstrate how soil studies can be integrated into archaeological projects, highlighting their benefits for archaeological interpretations.

My research, ‘Recent Soil Study Research in Irish Archaeological Prospection Strategies’ is one chapter in the book World Archaeo-Geophysics, which showcases the intersection of geophysics and archaeology on a global scale. Edited by Carmen Cuenca-Garcia, Andrei Asăndulesei, and Kelsey M. Lowe, the book compiles contributions from 74 experts across 18 countries. It highlights the use of near-surface geophysical techniques and their integration with soil analyses to enrich archaeological interpretations.

My chapter addresses a significant knowledge gap affecting the effective use of soil science in archaeology and calls for increased collaboration among geophysicists, excavators, and soil scientists. By emphasizing the importance of soil recovery and analysis, I advocate for improved methodologies and integrated teamwork across the archaeological sector to better understand and utilize soil science in archaeology.

World Archaeo-Geophysics is available as a free download thanks to open-access funding from the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) and supported by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). It aims to foster shared learning and cooperative engagement among professionals, academics, students, and archaeology enthusiasts.

My chapter is available here (open access, no charge); the entire book is available here (open access, no charge, with options to purchase a hard copy).

Full publication details:

Bonsall, J. (2024). Recent Soil Study Research in Irish Archaeological Prospection Strategies. In: Cuenca-Garcia, C., Asăndulesei, A., Lowe, K.M. (eds) World Archaeo-Geophysics. Integrated minimally invasive approaches using country-based examples. One World Archaeology. Springer, Cham. pp305-322. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-57900-4_11