The Role of Geomorphology·Geology in Prehistoric Petroglyph Research - Hadong Mukgyeri's Stone Monument as an Example -

선사 암각화 연구에서의 지형·지질학의 역할 - 하동 묵계리 석물을 사례로 -

There has been a lot of controversy over the claim that ancient characters were engraved on a stone plane collected near the Samsin Mountain in Hadong-gun, and that it was used as an altar based on the contents on the stone. The importance of the role of geoscience in prehistoric petroglyph research was presented through analysis and comparison with representative domestic petroglyphs. First, by examining the geological formation process of the collected stone objects, it proved that prehistoric actions were not applied. Second, as a result of comparative analysis from the viewpoints of human geography and topography with representative petroglyphs in Korea, it is unreasonable to argue that the stone was made for an altar. Third, it is considered that among the ancient characters under debate, the straight line indicates a cleavage of carbonate minerals, and the curved shape results from the growth of lichens. Finally, we propose that reproducing the lines found on the stone was impossible by using ancient techniques, and that there was no trace of any artificial actions applied to the spots considered to be curved characters. As shown in such research cases, the results of petroglyph research will have high reliability, if research by experts in each field continues after the geoscientific basis is secured. In this respect, the contribution of Earth science to cultural assets and archeology is expected to increase in the future.