Multiscale characterizations of topographic measurements on lithic materials and microwear using a GelSight Max: Investigating potential archaeological applications
[ 1 ] Instytut Technologii Mechanicznej, Wydział Inżynierii Mechanicznej, Politechnika Poznańska | [ P ] pracownik
2024
artykuł naukowy
angielski
EN A GelSight Max device, which employs reflectance transformation imaging against a gel-backed elastomer tactile membrane, was used for the topographic measurement of stone tool surfaces. Stone tools made from different raw materials (basalt, cherts, obsidian, and quartz) were measured to determine GelSight Max’s capacity for surface documentation and reproduction in three dimensions. Microwear, specifically micropolish on a chert flake and microabrasion on an obsidian flake, was also mathematically documented using this device. The topographic measurements derived from the stone tools were analyzed and compared using conventional and hybrid height parameters, R2 coefficients, fractal dimensions, and multiscale geometric characterizations, specifically relative area (Srel), relative length (RL), area-scale fractal complexity (Asfc), and length-scale fractal complexity (Lsfc). The surfaces of the stone tools made from different raw materials, in addition to those in the used and unused regions of a chert flake and an obsidian flake, could be discriminated over multiple areal and length scales based on Srel, RL, Asfc, and Lsfc. Given these results, GelSight may be a research tool of value to archaeologists studying the surfaces of lithic artifacts and possibly other materials. Moreover, GelSight provides certain advantages over other surface metrology systems, such as cost, portability, and the ability to measure translucent and highly reflective surfaces, but also comes with limitations, notably the documentation of fine scale surface features by the gel-backed membrane and a lower vertical (z-axis) resolution.
17.06.2024
104637-1 - 104637-16
Article Number: 104637
140
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