Coordinator: Dra. Lourdes Montes (lmontes@unizar.es)
The Heritage area has a multidisciplinary structure consisted of archaeologists, paleontologists, geologists and biologists working in research and enhancement of cultural and natural heritage at large. Basically they operate in our region, but also have an extensive curriculum in national and international research. Nationally it is covered a unique research as there are specialists working from the origin of life to modern human activity. Let us briefly explain its scope beginning with those related to paleontology and geology.
The research groups in Paleontology of the University of Zaragoza are integrated in IUCA. There are specialists in all branches: vertebrates, invertebrates, microfossils and plants. They develop their research throughout the geologic record from the Precambrian to the present. This makes it the most diverse research team in Palaeontology in our country. Should be noted the research on issues of impact as the Cambrian explosion, dinosaurs, extinctions of Cretaceous – Tertiary, or the site of Atapuerca. Aspects such as Paleoecology and Paleoclimatology of the Mesozoic, Tertiary and Quaternary, the reconstruction of the position of the continents in the past or the paleoenvironmental reconstruction of marine and continental ecosystems are also boarded in this area. As proof of the quality of its research are the contributions in leading scientific journals such as Nature, Science or PNAS. This research in Palaeontology and Geology has generated a significant amount of knowledge transferred as paleontological exhibitions, enhacenment of sites (Museum of the last dinosaurs in Arén, Museum of Tella Cave Bear …), but especially highlights Paleontological Museum of the University of Zaragoza, where is stored one of the most important paleontological collections of our country.
The Heritage area also includes URBS research group, focusing on archeology, teaching and communication of archaeological heritage. The archaeological research process includes environmental investigation for the time of each site, through specialized studies of palynology, faunal remains, forensic anthropology analysis on human remains found in the excavation, etc.. In addition, both the archaeological actions and museological design of sites for accessibility and the tourist running and didactics include necessarily a study of their potential environmental impact.
Grupos de investigación
