Environmental Impact Research Program: Stabilization of Dakota Sandstone Surface of the Faris Cave Petroglyphs Kanopolis Lake Project, Kansas.

摘要

Native american rock art sites are affected by numerous types of impacts originating from both cultural and natural sources. Some of the most difficult losses to control are those resulting from weathering or deterioration of the stone itself. This report discusses the results of field and laboratory experiments that examined the use of a stone strengthener and water repellent to solidify porous and poorly bonded Dakota Formation Sandstone in central Kansas. The results indicate that these chemicals, which are based on organosilicon compounds dissolved in a ketone carrier, provide substantial cementation of the sand grains with no detrimental change in the color, porosity, or permeability of the stone. This technology will significantly prolong the existence of important petroglyphs on sandstones. Cultural site preservation, Rock art, Sandstone stabilization.