Laboratory of Environmental Archaeology
The Laboratory of Environmental Archaeology is a multidisciplinary core facility dedicated to high-quality analytical services, equipment access, training, and laboratory support for academic, governmental, and industry users. Specialty services include physical, geochemical, and microbotanical characterization of archaeological and environmental materials and near-surface geophysical data collection. Specialized equipment includes a laser diffraction particle size analyzer, portable X-ray florescence spectrometer, and ground penetrating radar system. We also offer phytolith extraction and analysis from sediments or artifacts. An APHIS inspected facility authorized to receive foreign and domestic soil, LEA can receive and analyze samples from around the world.
Housed within the university’s McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, LEA provides a practical institutional mechanism for faculty collaboration, student experiential learning, and continuing education. LEA fulfills a unique role for researchers, students, and private companies by providing guidance and support to a variety of disciplines including archaeology, geoarchaeology, historical ecology, engineering, soil and agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, geology, geomorphology, and botany.
Contact information
The LEA Core Facility is located at the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture.
Please direct any questions regarding LEA services, service costs, requests for training, or scheduling to:
Alison Damick
Manager of Laboratory of Environmental Archaeology, Associate Curator of Environmental Archaeology
Services and equipment
- Particle size distribution
- Malvern Mastersizer 3000 laser diffraction particle size analyzer (PSA)
- Geophysical prospecting
- Ground Penetrating Radar–GSSI SIR 4000 GPR system
- Organic and inorganic carbon concentration–loss on ignition technique
- Geochemical materials analysis
- Niton XL5 portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF) analyzer
- Phytolith analysis
2023 Service rates
Rates listed as Internal / Academic / External.
Service 1: Sample Preparation (per sample)
Internal: $19 · Academic: $25 · External: $35
Service 2: Operator Assisted Particle Size Analysis (per sample)
Internal: $45 · Academic: $70 · External: $85
Turnaround: 2 weeks
Service 3: Unassisted Particle Size Analysis (per sample)
Internal: $35 · Academic: $50 · External: $70
Service 4: Soil Moisture, Organic Matter, and Inorganic Carbon Content via LOI (per sample)
Internal: $15 · Academic: $20 · External: $25
Turnaround: 3 weeks
Service 5: Operator-Assisted pXRF Analysis (per hour)
Internal: $40 · Academic: $60 · External: $80
Service 6: Unassisted pXRF Lab Analysis (per hour)
Internal: $20 · Academic: $30 · External: $45
Service 7: Unassisted GPR Survey (per day)
Internal: $70 · Academic: $105 · External: $120
Service 8: GPS Data Collection (per day)
Internal: $28 · Academic: $50 · External: $70
Service 9: Total Station Survey (per day)
Internal: $30 · Academic: $60 · External: $75
Service 10: Staff Time (per hour)
Internal: $75 · Academic: $115 · External: $130
Service 11: Operator Assisted Phytolith Analysis (per sample)
Internal: $98 · Academic: $175 · External: $235
Turnaround: 6 weeks
Service 12: Standard Analytical Report (per assemblage/analysis type)
Internal: $720 · Academic: $1,100 · External: $1,500
Turnaround: Add one week to processing time
Service 13: Interpretive Analytical Report (per assemblage/analysis type)
Internal: $1,000 · Academic: $1,500 · External: $2,000
Turnaround: Contact us