Alison Damick, Manager of Laboratory of Environmental Archaeology, Associate Curator of Environmental Archaeology,
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The Laboratory of Environmental Archaeology (LEA) is a multidisciplinary core facility dedicated to high-quality analytical services, equipment access, training, and laboratory support for academic, governmental, and industry users. Our specialty services include physical, geochemical, and microbotanical characterization of archaeological and environmental materials and near-surface geophysical data collection. Specialized equipment includes our 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 & 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.
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- 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: | Internal | Academic | External | Turnaround time (from receipt of samples) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service 1: Sample Preparation (per sample) | $19.00 | $25.00 | $35.00 | N/A |
| Service 2: Operator Assisted Particle size analysis (per sample) | $45.00 | $70.00 | $85.00 | 2 weeks |
| Service 3: Unassisted Particle size analysis (per sample) | $35.00 | $50.00 | $70.00 | N/A | Service 4: Soil Moisture, Organic Matter, and Inorganic Carbon Content via LOI (per sample) | $15.00 | $20.00 | $25.00 | 3 weeks | Service 5: Operator Assisted pXRF Analysis (per hour) | $40.00 | $60.00 | $80.00 | N/A | Service 6: Unassisted pXRF Lab Analysis (per hour) | $20.00 | $30.00 | $45.00 | N/A | Service 7: Unassisted GPR Survey (per day) | $70.00 | $105.00 | $120.00 | N/A | Service 8: GPS Data Collection (per day) | $28.00 | $50.00 | $70.00 | N/A | Service 9: Total Station Survey (per day) | $30.00 | $60.00 | $75.00 | N/A | Service 10: Staff Time (per hour) | $75.00 | $115.00 | $130.00 | N/A | Service 11: Operator Assisted Phytolith Analysis (per sample) | $98.00 | $175.00 | $235.00 | 6 weeks | Service 12: Standard Analytical Report (per assemblage/analysis type) | $720.00 | $1,100.00 | $1,500.00 | Add one week to processing time | Service 13: Interpretive Analytical Report (per assemblage/analysis type) | $1,000 | $1,500.00 | $2,000.00 | Contact us |
Contact Information
The LEA Core Facility is located at the McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture.
Please direct any questions regarding LEA services, service costs, requests for training, or scheduling to:
Alison Damick
adamick@utk.edu | 865-974-2144