Environmental Archaeology: Theoretical and Practical Approaches

by Chris Turney, Matthew Canti, Nick Branch

Environmental Theoretical and Practical Approaches outlines and assesses the various methods used to reconstruct and explain the past interaction between people and their environment.



Emphasising the importance of a highly scientific approach to the subject, the book combines geoarchaeological, bioarchaeological (archaeobotany and zooarchaeology) and geochronological information and examines how these various aspects of archaeology may be used to enhance our knowledge and understanding of past human environments.



Drawing from both the practical experiences of the authors and cutting-edge research, Environmental Theoretical and Practical Approaches is a valuable contribution to the subject. It will be essential reading for students and professionals in archaeology, geography and anthropology.

256 pages, Paperback

First published July 14, 2005

About the author

Professor Chris Turney is an Australian and British Earth scientist. He has recently completed a prestigious Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship at the University of New South Wales. He has published over 200 research papers. At 47 years, Chris has been described by The Saturday Times (UK) as ‘the new David Livingstone’.

In 2013-2014, Chris led the Australasian Antarctic Expedition which aimed to extend over a hundred years of scientific endeavour in the region and communicate the value of science and exploration of this remote and pristine environment (www.spiritofmawson.com). Chris' latest book 'Iced In' (published in North America by Kensington Press) describes the latest scientific thinking from the frozen continent and the expedition's entrapment by a major breakout of decade-old sea ice during the Christmas period. Chronicling the team's discoveries and experiences, 'Iced In' revisits famed polar explorer Ernest Shackleton's harrowing Antarctic expedition almost a century before when his ship, Endurance, was trapped and ultimately lost to the ice, forcing his team to fight for survival on a vast and treacherous icescape for two years.

Chris leads a research team at the University of New South Wales and is passionate about science communication. He regularly contributes articles to the media on the discoveries and value of science and has give numerous media interviews. Taking expeditions around the world and using the latest satellite technology, Chris and his team report their discoveries under the banner of 'Intrepid Science'. In 2007, he was awarded The Sir Nicholas Shackleton Medal for outstanding young scientist for pioneering research and in 2014, the Australian Academy of Science's Frederick White Prize for the understanding of natural phenomena.

Chris is the inventor and a founding Director of Carbonscape, a New Zealand carbon refining company that offers a global solution for mitigating the effects of climate change; in 2009, it was selected as the Judges Top Choice in the Financial Times Climate Change Challenge and in 2012 came runner up in the International Dutch Postcode Lottery Green Challenge.

Chris is married and has two gorgeous children.