A Revised Endpoint for Ceramics Desalination at the Archaeological Site of Gordion,Turkey

Summary

At the archaeological site of Gordion, Turkey, all registered ceramics are routinely desalinated. The standard desalination treatment was investigated by the author with a view to minimizing damage to the ceramics, as well as the amount of water used and the time taken for desalination. An equation that standardizes conductivity measurements in disparate desalination situations is presented. A series of experiments was performed to clarify the behavior of salts at Gordion. Two variables which directly affect the amount of water needed for desalination were considered: the frequency of water changes and the weight-to-volume ratio. The experimental results were compared to on-site experience, and a revised endpoint for desalination is proposed.