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URN to cite this document: urn:nbn:de:bvb:703-epub-8384-4
Title data
Sass, Oliver ; Heil, Stefanie:
The role of moisture and salt distribution in the weathering of the medieval cave town of Uplistsikhe, Georgia.
In: Heritage Science.
Vol. 12
(2024)
Issue 1
.
- 197.
ISSN 2050-7445
DOI der Verlagsversion: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-024-01310-5
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Abstract
Knowledge of salt and moisture distribution is a key factor for understanding rock decay at cultural heritage sites. The cave town of Uplistsikhe in Georgia, carved from sandstone in late bronze age to medieval times, suffers from progressive scaling and flaking processes. Multi-method investigations of rock moisture and salt distribution were carried out in order to better understand the patterns of decay. Salt distribution was investigated using drill dust samples and paper pulp poultices; moisture was determined by 2D-resistivity and handheld microwave sensors, supplemented by infrared thermography. The combined results from the different methods revealed a complex pattern of salt and moisture distribution. At most sites, K₂SO₄ (arcanite) and its hydrates dominate, sometimes in combination with CaSO₄ (gypsum). At one site (Grandhall), halite (NaCl) and niter (KNO₃) prevail. Sulphates are assumed to be a legacy of air pollution; origin of halite and niter remains unsolved but might be due to concrete reinforcements. Two main sources of moisture were evidenced depending on season and spatial situation: (1) Condensation of air humidity at cool cave backwalls in spring (combined with and aided by salt hygroscopicity), evidenced by 2D-resistivity and infrared thermography; (2) seepage along joints particularly at the cave backwalls and roofs, evidenced by handheld microwave sensors. Further investigations should focus on identifying seepage pathways and on clarifying the origin of destructive halite and nitrates.
Further data
| Item Type: | Article in a journal |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Rock-hewn heritage; Rock moisture; Salt distribution; 2D-resistivity; Microwave; IR thermography |
| DDC Subjects: | 500 Science > 550 Earth sciences, geology |
| Institutions of the University: | Faculties > Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Earth Sciences > Department of Earth Sciences > Chair Geomorphology > Chair Geomorphology - Univ.-Prof. Dr. Oliver Sass Faculties Faculties > Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Earth Sciences Faculties > Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Earth Sciences > Department of Earth Sciences Faculties > Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Earth Sciences > Department of Earth Sciences > Chair Geomorphology |
| Language: | English |
| Originates at UBT: | Yes |
| URN: | urn:nbn:de:bvb:703-epub-8384-4 |
| Date Deposited: | 01 Apr 2025 08:38 |
| Last Modified: | 01 Apr 2025 08:39 |
| URI: | https://epub.uni-bayreuth.de/id/eprint/8384 |
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