Mapping Atmospheric Corrosion as a Heritage Management Tool in Oaxaca, Mexico

Archaeometry is the application of Natural Sciences techniques, including
Geography, to solve problems in Archaeology and Heritage Conservation. Corrosion
constitutes the main deterioration process of metals, which is triggered by the properties of
the surrounding matrix. This work focuses on atmospheric corrosion in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Methods used included the creation of atmospheric corrosion stations where weight loss
was measured and geo-localization of archaeo-metallurgical heritage was determined in
the study area. A brief historical review of the cultural importance of metals in Mexico is
also treated. Results for the three first months of measurement showed that atmospheric
corrosion values are higher in the city centre, where heritage is more concentrated. Air
pollution and increased temperatures attributed to global warming are considered to be
relevant for explaining the data obtained. Further analysis of a full year cycle is expected
to reinforce this argument. The methods used are shown to be useful heritage and urban
management tools applicable to other geographic spaces.