E

The safeguard and valorization of cultural heritage is bound to a  deep knowledge of the component materials that, for many artifacts and sites of archaeological and historical interest, include diverse geomaterials, i.e., natural stone, ceramics, mortar, pigments, etc. The related research approaches involve applied geosciences, for example, mineralogy, geomorphology, geochemistry, engineering geology, but also geoarchaeology, conservation science, materials science, and others. This session focuses on the following aspects of geomaterial research for cultural heritage: investigation techniques, particularly involving non-destructive and non-invasive methods, applied in indoor and outdoor field studies or in the laboratory; development of novel devices, protocols, and techniques of data treatment; characterization of weathering patterns, mechanisms, and kinetics; modelling and simulation of decay processes; conservation treatments, monitoring, and documentation. The session welcomes contributions presenting original research, case studies, and experimental methods.