Paul Goldberg (geologist)
Paul Goldberg is a geoarchaeologist and micromorphologist known for his contributions to the study of cave and rock shelter sediments, particularly in relation to understanding human occupation and past environments. He is a professor emeritus at Boston University.
Goldberg's research focuses on the microscopic analysis of sediments to identify evidence of human activity and environmental change. This involves techniques such as thin-section micromorphology, which allows for the detailed examination of sediment structure and composition under a microscope. By studying the arrangement of sediment particles, the presence of artifacts, and the nature of organic matter, Goldberg can reconstruct the history of site formation processes.
He has worked extensively on archaeological sites across the globe, including important Paleolithic sites in Israel, France, and South Africa. His research has provided valuable insights into the behavior of early humans, their use of fire, and the environmental contexts in which they lived.
Goldberg is the co-author of the influential book Practical and Theoretical Geoarchaeology, a widely used textbook in the field. He has also published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals. His work has been instrumental in advancing the field of geoarchaeology and in establishing the importance of micromorphology as a tool for archaeological interpretation. He received his PhD from the University of Michigan.
His research interests include:
- Geoarchaeology
- Micromorphology
- Paleolithic Archaeology
- Cave and Rock Shelter Sedimentology
- Site Formation Processes
- Environmental Reconstruction