Research interests
The underlying theme of my present research is to describe
scientifically the technical expertise of ancient builders and architects. I
apply analytical techniques from the earth sciences to the archaeological study
of the cut-stone and concrete architecture of ancient Rome, which is unique in
its innovative use of local volcanic rock and its continuation to modern time.
Currently, I am integrating experimental tests of stone and
concrete material properties, studies of Roman volcanic stratigraphy, and
petrographic and geochemical investigations of diagenetic processes in Roman
volcaniclastic rocks with field observations of ancient concretes in monumental
structures and seawater harbor constructions.
Correlation of the results of these observations and
laboratory tests with analyses of ancient texts (such as Vitruvius' De
Architectura (31-27 BCE)) reveal the processes of human observation,
discovery, and invention that led to the development of extraordinarily durable
Roman concretes.
These multi-disciplinary methods will help solve
archaeological, geological, and materials science research problems and assist
in preservation of structures that are of archaeological and anthropological
significance to academic researchers and the general public.
For information about the repository of samples of ancient
Roman building stone and concrete, collected with the permission of the
Soprintendenza Archeologica di Roma and the Sovraintendenza ai Beni Culturali
del Comune di Roma, please send an email message with your query to Marie.Jackson@nau.edu.
Recent publications
“Micromorphological textures and pozzolanic cements in
Imperial age Roman concretes.” In Proceedings of the Second Historic Mortars
Conference (HMC 2010). 22-24 September, 2010, Prague, edited by C. Moreau
and J. Valek.
Coauthors: B. Scheetz, and F. Marra
“Cement compositions and durability in ancient Roman
seawater concretes.” In Proceedings of the Second Historic Mortars
Conference (HMC 2010). 22-24 September, 2010, Prague, edited by C. Moreau
and J. Valek.
Coauthors: G. Vola, B. Scheetz, J. Oleson, C. Brandon, R. Hohlfelder
“Mid-Pleistocene volcanic ash in ancient Roman concretes.” Geoarchaeology.
v. 25, p. 36-74, January 2010. http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118641799/abstract
Coauthors: D. Deocampo, F. Marra, and B. E. Scheetz
“Assessment of material characteristics of ancient
concretes, Grande Aula, Markets of Trajan, Rome.” Journal of Archaeological
Science. v. 36, p. 2481-2492, November 2009.
Coauthors: J. M. Logan, B. E. Scheetz, D. M. Deocampo, C. G. Cawood, F. Marra,
M. Vitti, L. Ungaro
“Geological observations of excavated sand (harenae
fossiciae) used as fine aggregate in ancient Roman pozzolanic mortars.” Journal
of Roman Archaeology. v. 20, p. 1-30, December 2007.
Coauthors: F. Marra, D. Deocampo, A. Vella, C. Kosso, R. Hay.
“Vulcan’s Masonry.” Natural History Magazine, v. 116,
n. 3, p. 40-45, April 2007.
"Roman Stone Masonry: Volcanic Foundations of the
Ancient City." American Journal of Archaeology 110, no. 3, p.
403-436, July 2006.
Co-authored with Fabrizio Marra.
Other publications of interest
"Ground ruptures of the 1974 and 1983 Kaoiki
earthquakes, Mauna Loa volcano, Hawaii." Journal of Geophysical
Research, v. 97, p. 8775-8796. 1992. Co-authored with E.T. Endo, P.T.
Delaney, T. Arnadottir, and A.M. Rubin.
"Flexure and faulting of sedimentary host rocks during
growth of igneous domes, southern Henry Mountains, Utah." Journal of
Structural Geology, v. 12, p. 185-206. 1990. Co-authored with D.D. Pollard.
"The laccolith-stock controversy: New results from the
southern Henry Mountains, Utah." Geological Society of America Bulletin,
v. 100, n. 1, p. 117-139. 1988. Co-authored with D.D. Pollard.
see also Discussion and Reply: Geological Society of
America Bulletin 100, p. 1657-1659. 1988.
GEOLOGICAL MAP OF ROME AND ITS SURROUNDINGS:
GEOLOGICAL MAP OF THE CENTRO STORICO OF ROME:
- Map
(Copyright: Piedra Azul Press, 2006; Jackson and Marra, 2006.)
STONE LANDMARKS: FLAGSTAFF'S GEOLOGY AND HISTORIC BUILDING
STONES
Professional affiliations and
service
Geological Society of America
Archaeological Institute of America
American Concrete Institute
American Geophysical Union
Construction History Society
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Commissioner, Open Spaces Commission, City of Flagstaff,
Arizona (Chairperson 2003-4)
Innovations in teaching that
illustrate processes of earth and human history recorded by stone buildings in
Flagstaff:
- Curricular materials - hands-on laboratory geoscience kits - for 9th grade
geosciences programs in Flagstaff high schools.
- Workshops for elementary school teachers through Willow Bend Environmental
Resource Center, which illustrate active geologic processes within the city and
ancient geologic processes that produced local building stone. These form part
of 3rd grade social studies and science programs.
- Lectures to diverse community groups on topics relating geosciences, civil
engineering, and history in Flagstaff.