Analysis of the effects of short-term subaerial weathering in different environmental conditions on bone colour and microstructure.

Abstract

This preliminary study was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of subaerial environmental factors on bone colour change over time, and to quantify this using photography and Photoshop© CMYK analysis, as well with the Munsell Soil Colour Chart®. Additionally, surface microstructural changes with macroscopic and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis were also conducted. Environmental data were tracked, and vapour density was documented and compared to relative humidity to determine the best-suited unit of measurement. The specimens consisted of 23 fleshed Sus scrofa humeri that were exposed to different microenvironments with varying sustrates and sunlight exposure. Although no discernable colour change trends were observed, other taphonomic changes were visible macroscopically in as little as 6 weeks to a few months of environmental exposure, and detailed distinctions could be made between specimens of different groups using SEM analysis.