Analysis of alterations and damages at the Neolithic earthen settlement and agricultural cultivation site in Tianluoshan, China

Abstract In Tianluoshan site, a comprehensive analysis was conducted using a suite of scientific methods, including scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The analysis addressed prevalent issues within the earthen site condition and criticalities, such as surface weathering, cracking, microbial damage, and damage by plants. The results reveal that surface weathering is concentrated in the southeast region, whereas microbial damage predominates in the northwest. Cracking and plant damage are less common. Surface weathering can progress to cracking in dry areas and to microbial damage in moist areas, eventually leading to plant damage.