An Approach to Identify and Understand the Main Processes of Weathering that Affect the Pre‐Hispanic STELAE Located in the CALAKMUL Biosphere Reserve in Campeche, Mexico

Researchers identified key weathering processes affecting pre-Hispanic stelae at Oxpemul, within Mexico's Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. The study found that dissolution of carbonates from limestone and their recrystallization, along with silicate hydrolysis forming montmorillonite and biodeterioration reactions producing oxalate crystals, are the primary drivers of stela degradation. Using ion chromatography and X-ray diffraction (XRD) on in situ samples, the team analyzed four stelae to map these processes, revealing how environmental factors contribute to the erosion of Mayan epigraphic records. This pioneering study provides critical insights for developing conservation strategies to preserve these cultural vestiges.

Espinosa‐Morales, Y., Alarcón, A. L., Domínguez‐Carrasco, M. d. R., Martínez‐Miranda, V., Arteaga‐Arcos, J. C., Silva‐León, I., & Reyes, J. (2020). An Approach to Identify and Understand the Main Processes of Weathering that Affect the Pre‐Hispanic STELAE Located in the CALAKMUL Biosphere Reserve in Campeche, Mexico. Archaeometry, 63(4), 843–859. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/arcm.12640