{"id":1596,"date":"2025-09-23T11:52:32","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T09:52:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www2igg.cnr.it\/?page_id=1596"},"modified":"2026-03-02T18:44:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T17:44:13","slug":"laboratorio-di-archeometria-e-microcarotaggio-stratigrafico","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.igg.cnr.it\/en\/laboratorio-di-archeometria-e-microcarotaggio-stratigrafico\/","title":{"rendered":"Archaeometry and Microstratigraphic Coring Lab"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span><\/span>

The Laboratory<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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Two main methodologies are used in this lab:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Coring system (DUNE_LAB): The AF SHALLOW CORING SYSTEM is a continuous-core drilling system for granular and cohesive rocks, specifically engineered for quick coring, which has been successfully applied to obtain continuous cores for detailed stratigraphic studies. The use of a specially designed and engineered textile liner allows 100% recovery of the drilled sequence, with nil to negligible alteration of geotechnical parameters down to a depth of 10-12m. As far as we know, this system is at present the only coring system allowing 100% sample retrieval, even in saturated loose sands, as is the case of the lacustrine borders sediments. The relatively small attainable depth (max 10-12 m) represents the major limit of the AF SYSTEM methodology and it may restrict the interval of investigation. Nevertheless, we stress the fact that deeper cores obtained by all the other methods (for instance the Livingston piston corer) are discontinuous, since only 50-100cm of sediments are extracted in each coring operation. Therefore, the cores obtained are the sums of these short segments and are severely affected by both presence of re-worked material and duplication of the stratigraphic sequence, due to the absence of a liner protecting the open hole.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Archaeomagnetic dating (Archaeo_LAB): Archaeomagnetism is a dating methodology based on the alignment of the magnetic vector inside object containing ferromagnetic materials, as baked clay, in pottery and furnaces and volcanic materials. These objects can yield the magnetic declination from the last time they were fired or used. In order to perform archaeomagnetic analyses, a number of samples are removed from the feature by encasement in non-magnetic plaster within non-magnetic molds. These samples are marked for true north at the time of collection. Each of the samples is measured in a large cell induction magnetometer, to determine its thermal remanent magnetization. The results are statistically processed and a vector is generated that shows orientation that will yield a location for the North Pole at the time of the last thermal event of the feature. Data from this feature is compared to the regional secular variation curve in order to determine the best-fit date range for the feature's last firing event.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
    <\/span><\/span>

    Instruments<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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    The equipment present in the laboratory includes:
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Archeo-LAB:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Induction Magnetometer with large cell<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Sampling sets for furnaces<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Sampling set for volcanics<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Conditioning set for sample with dimension 12x12x12cm<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Current generator<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Wooden shelves (42 linear meters) for stocking sample before analysis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Dune-LAB:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • AF_Topcore 40 (cores diameter 43mm)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • AF_Topcore 40 modified (core diameter 43 mm)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • AF_Topcore 20 (core diameter 33 mm)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Cold room (2mx1.2m)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Polarising Microscope LEICA<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • 2 Binocular Microscopes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Photo-stand (70x60cm)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
        \n
        \"\"
        IGG-CNR Archaeo_lab in Villa Borbone - The large cell magnetometer and other devices for the handling of samples during analytic routine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
        <\/span><\/span>

        Staff and Contacts<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
        \n

        The staff of the isotopic chemical laboratory is composed of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Dr. Sonia La Felice (CNR Researcher \u2013 Laboratory Manager)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Dr. Daniele Giordano (Research Associate)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Dr. Claudia Principe (Research Associate)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Dr. Marina Devidze (Research Associate)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Contacts<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • Dr. Sonia La Felice: 050 6212335, sonia.lafelice@igg.cnr.it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
            <\/span><\/span>

            Methods and Applications<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
            \n

            Archeo-LAB:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            The lab use the precise dating method developed at Saint Maur des Foss\u00e9s Laboratories from the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP), France (Thellier, 1981). Sampling and measurement procedures refer to the so-called \u201cbig sample plaster method\u201d of Thellier (1981) for archaeological purposes and routinely applied in our laboratory with few modifications. Application of this methodology for dating of young volcanic products and archaeological samples, its advantages, and limitations are given in a huge literature (e.g. Tanguy et al., 2003, EPSL).
            The sampling method involves the collection of several big samples, each weighing 0.5\u20131 kg, possibly distributed over some tens of meters. In the case of lavas, each block is first detached and then replaced in its original position. Plaster of appropriate fluidity is poured on the block, to support a plate carrying a spherical spirit level, thus making a horizontal surface 6\u20137 cm in diameter on which the sun shadow is marked for calculation of the geographical north. In the laboratory, the samples are re-plastered in square molds 12 cm in size. Measurements are performed by means of a large rotating induction magnetometer and an AF demagnetization device for big samples (Le Goff, 1975). The advantages of this method with respect to traditional core-drilling are the extremely precise orientation of the sample in the field and the possibility of obtaining high-precision data on lavas, welded scoriae, and high temperature-emplaced, non-welded, pyroclastic deposits (Hoblitt et al., 1985; Genevey et al., 2002). Another fundamental advantage is that the plaster method avoids the effect of any parasitic magnetization acquired during the drilling process (Lauer, 1978; Audunsson & Levi, 1989). Dating interval and accuracy depends on the precision of the continuously improving reference Geomagnetic Secular Variation Curve (Pavon-Carrasco et al, 2014).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n
            \n
            \n
            \"\"
            Sampling a domestic kiln in Normandie, France<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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            Samples ready to be collected from a domestic oven in Normandy, France<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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            Samples ready for archaeomagnetic measurement<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
            \n
            \"\"
            Archaeomagnetic sampling of a Roman bricks furnace inside Piazza Mercurio, Massa, Italy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

            Dune-LAB:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Si tratta di un sistema di carotaggio continuo e speditivo per rocce da granulari, fino a debolmente coerenti. E\u2019 una metodologia particolarmente interessante per chi abbia necessit\u00e0 di un carotaggio continuo per l\u2019esecuzione di studi microstratigrafici di precisione anche in localit\u00e0 difficilmente raggiungibili (l\u2019intera strumentazione pu\u00f2 essere trasportata a spalla) e in caso di problemi ambientali (nessun inquinante o additivo chimico \u00e8 inserito nel terreno). Il sistema di microcarotaggio superficiale AF \u00e8 composto di scarpe taglienti di differente durezza e caratteristiche, aste di perforazione di acciaio speciale ultra leggere, una testa di carotaggio includente una cartuccia precaricata con una guaina tessile di diversa tipologia in funzione degli scopi del carotaggio e dei terreni da attraversare, un martello pneumatico adattato per l\u2019infissione delle aste, ed un set di binde ed accorgimenti per l\u2019estrazione. L\u2019uso delle speciali guaine tessili facilita le operazioni di trasporto sul terreno e di apertura e conservazione dei carotaggi ottenuti. Il sistema permette l\u2019estrazione di carote di sedimenti pressoch\u00e9 indisturbate dal punto di vista geotecnico. Le applicazioni di questo metodo, originariamente studiato da IGG-CNR per il recupero di depositi piroclastici in facies distale e in ambienti lacustri, sono molteplici, e vanno dalla geotecnica all\u2019analisi dell\u2019inquinamento ambientale, alla stratigrafia fino alla palinologia e idrogeologia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n
            \n
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            \"\"
            Core drilling operations in the sediments at the edge of the Piton de Boue crater on Reunion Island, France.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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            Drilling inside a canal of the Campi Bisenzio Land Reclamation Consortium, Florence<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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            Extracting the rod train with an excavator<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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            Detailed stratigraphy from core samples taken from Lago Grande di Monticchio, in Basilicata<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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            Data processing to obtain an archaeomagnetic age<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
            <\/span><\/span>

            Scientific Projects and Interests<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
            \n

            Project:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Progetto di ricerca (2012-16): \u201cMonografia Vulcanologica del Monte Amiata, Toscana Meridionale\u201d LAMMA-Regione Toscana.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Short Therm Mobility (STM) (2015): \u201cEvaluation of the volcanic hazard in El Hierro Island (Canary Islands, ES) \u2013 Geological mapping and chronostratigraphy\u201d CNR \u2013 Direzione Attivit\u00e0 Internazionali.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Progetto Bilaterale CNR-SRNSF\/Italia-Georgia (2014-15): \u201cGeo-archaeology in Georgia and geomagnetic Secular Variation Curve (SVC) development for Caucasus area\u201d CNR \u2013 Direzione Attivit\u00e0 Internazionali.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Short Therm Mobility (STM) (2013): \u201cTime clustering, frequency, localization and extension of lavaflows at Teide and Vesuvius: a comparative and multidisciplinary investigation of emplacement features and mapping of the associated risk (Canary Islands, SP)\u201d CNR \u2013 Direzione Attivit\u00e0 Internazionali.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Progetto bilaterale CNR-SRNSF\/Italia-Georgia (2012-13): \u201cIl contributo della Georgia alla costruzione di una Curva di Variazione geomagnetica Secolare per il Caucaso e la regione Circum-Mediterranea\u201d CNR \u2013 Direzione Attivit\u00e0 Internazionali.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Progetto bilaterale CNR-CSIC\/Italia-Spagna (2011-12): \u201cTime clustering, frequency, localization and extension of lavaflows at Teide and Vesuvius: a comparative and multidisciplinary investigation of emplacement features and mapping of the associated risk\u201d CNR \u2013 Direzione Attivit\u00e0 Internazionali.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Contratto di ricerca (2011): \u201c1861 – Il Vesuvio celebra l\u2019unit\u00e0 d\u2019Italia\u201d Banco di Napoli<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Contratto di ricerca \u201cAITHALE\u201d (2011): \u201cRicerche geo-archeologiche lungo il litorale di Portoferraio, Isola D\u2019Elba\u201d Comune di Portoferraio.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Progetto \u201cAl\u00e8a\u201d (2011): \u201cPre-historic (< 4kyrs) explosive activity at Piton de la Fournaise volcano\u201d IPGP-OVPDF and BRGM.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Contratto di ricerca (2009): \u201cPer l’acquisizione di dati conoscitivi relativi al patrimonio archeologico dell’Isola di Pianosa\u201d Direzione Regionale per i Beni Culturali e Paesaggistici della Toscana.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Contratto di ricerca (2008): \u201cStudi per la definizione del patrimonio Archeologico. Modellizzazione tridimensionale degli orizzonti e delle strutture sepolte nell\u2019area prospiciente Cala San Giovanni, Isola di Pianosa\u201d Cooperativa San Giacomo di Porto Azzurro.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Contratto di ricerca (2006): \u201cPiano di Caratterizzazione ambientale finalizzato all\u2019individuazione di valori chimici di riferimento per la movimentazione dei sedimenti dell\u2019area di foce del fiume Cecina\u201d ICRAM-CNR, ARPAT.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Programma internazionale di cooperazione scientifica \u2013 PICS (2005-07): \u201cVariation s\u00e9culaire du champ g\u00e9omagnetique en Europe de l\u2019Ouest durant le 1er mill\u00e9naire avant J\u00e9sus-Christ – D\u00e9velopper l\u2019archeomagnetisme en Italie\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Main scientific interests:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • Chronostratigraphy of recent volcanic areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Archaeomagnetic dating of burned structures for the reconstruction of the Secular Geomagnetic Variation Curve (SVC) for the peri-Mediterranean region over the last 10-15,000 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Sedimentological analysis and facies changes of deposits resulting from volcanic processes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Resolution and integration of stratigraphic and geophysical data for paleo-environmental reconstructions at sites of geological and archaeological interest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                <\/span><\/span>

                Publications<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
                \n
                  \n
                • A Morandi, A Di Muro, C Principe, L Michon, G Leroi, F Norelli, P Bachelery (2016): Pre-historic (< 4kyrs) explosive activity at Piton de la Fournaise volcano. In Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2016 P. Bach\u00e8lery et al. (eds), Active Volcanoes of the Southwest Indian Ocean, Active Volcanoes of the World, DOI 10.1007\/978-3-642-31395-0_20<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • E. M. S\u00e1nchez-Moreno, M. Calvo-Rathert, A. Gogichaishvili, G. T. Vashakidze, V. A. Lebedev, A. Carrancho, J. Villala\u00edn, A. Caccavari, M. Devidze, C. Principe (2015): REGISTRO DE TRANSICIONES DE POLARIDAD EN COLADAS VOLCANICAS PLIOCENAS DE LA MESETA DE DJAVAKHETI (C\u00c1UCASO MENOR): EL CASO DE LA SECUENCIA DE APNIA Latinmag Letters, Volume 5, Special Issue (2015), id number, 1-n, Proceedings S\u00e3o Paulo, Brasil<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • C Principe, A Ghilardi, S Ducci, S Perazzi, G Grandinetti, M Firmati (2013): Indagini geoarcheologiche nell\u2019area di Cala San Giovanni; in \u201cPLANASIA, un Sistema Informativo Territoriale per la gestione dei Beni Culturali dell\u2019Isola di Pianosa\u201d, a cura di A Marino, A Negri, A Patera. Ministero per i Beni e le Attivit\u00e0 Culturali. Edizioni ETS, Pisa pp 57-63<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Lorella Alderighi, Marco Benvenuti, Franco Cambi, Laura Chiarantini, Caterina X.H. Chiesa, Alessandro Corretti, Andrea Dini, Marco Firmati, Laura Pagliantini, Claudia Principe, Luisa Quaglia, Luisa Zito (2013): Aithale – Ricerche e scavi all\u2019Isola d\u2019Elba. Produzione siderurgica e territorio insulare nell\u2019antichit\u00e0. Annali della Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Classe di Lettere e Filosofia, Rassegna Archeologica, Serie V, 2013, 5\/2, Supplemento, pp. 169-189<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • C Principe, S Arrighi, J Malfatti D Brocchini (2011): Datazione archeomagnetica di alcune fornaci dell\u2019Isola d\u2019Elba. In \u201cIsola d\u2019Elba – Atlante delle fornaci\u201d (a cura di Fiorella Ramacogi) Soprintendenza per i Beni Architettonici, Paesaggistici, Storici, Artistici ed Etnoantropologici per le Province di Pisa e Livorno; BetaGamma editrice, 83-97.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • J Malfatti, C Principe, G Gattiglia (2011): Archaeomagnetic Directional Investigation of a Metallurgical Furnace in Pisa (Italy). Journal of Cultural Heritage; vol 12, 2011, 1-10.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • J Malfatti, C Principe, S Arrighi, C Arias (2009): L\u2019archeomagnetismo per la datazione delle attivit\u00e0 siderurgiche antiche. In Franco Cambi, Fernanda Cavari, Cynthia Mascione (a cura di), \u201cMATERIALI DA COSTRUZIONE E PRODUZIONE DEL FERRO – Studi sull\u2019economia populoniese fra periodo etrusco e romanizzazione\u201d, Edipuglia, pg. 213-218<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • JC Tanguy, M Le Goff, S Arrighi, C Principe, S La Delfa, G Patan\u00e8 (2009): The history of Etna and Vesuvius revisited through Archeomagnetism. EOS vol 90, n.ro 40, 6 oct 2009, 349-350, ISSN: 0096-3941.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • L Vezzoli, C Principe, JC Tanguy, S Arrighi, M Le Goff, J Malfatti (2009): Modes and times of caldera resurgence: The <10 ka evolution of Ischia Caldera, Italy, from archaeomagnetic dating. Journal Volcanol Geotherm Res, 186, 305-319.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • C Principe, A Malfatti, M Ambrosio, MT Fagioli, M Rosi, B Ceccanti, S Arrighi, D Innamorati (2007): Finding distal Vesuvius tephra at the borders of Lago Grande di Monticchio, in AF SHALLOW CORING SYSTEM micro-cores. Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Soils and Archaeology, held in Pisa on 2003. Atti Soc. tosc. Sci. nat., Mem., Serie A, 112 (2007) pagg. 189-197.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                  <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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