Deterioration of the Elephant tomb (Necropolis of Carmona, Seville, Spain)

Abstract

[EN]: The Roman Necropolis of Carmona, carved in a calcarenite bed, suffers different deterioration problems. The main alteration processes observed in the tomb walls and roofs are the result of powdering of the rock surface. This is due to the loss of calcite cement, leading to grain individualization and disintegration of the matrix into fine particles. Biological activity both inside and outside the tombs was observed, in some cases preventing disintegration of the calcarenite. The role of phototrophic organisms in the deterioration processes of the Elephant tomb is discussed. | The Roman Necropolis of Carmona, carved in a calcarenite bed, suffers different deterioration problems. The main alteration processes observed in the tomb walls and roofs are the result of powdering of the rock surface. This is due to the loss of calcite cement, leading to grain individualization and disintegration of the matrix into fine particles. Biological activity both inside and outside the tombs was observed, in some cases preventing disintegration of the calcarenite. The role of phototrophic organisms in the deterioration processes of the Elephant tomb is discussed. [ES]: La Necrópolis Romana de Carmona, excavada en calcarenita, presenta diferentes tipos de deterioro. El principal es el resultado de la arenización de la roca, debido a la pérdida de calcita cementante que origina la desintegración y liberación de los granos de cuarzo. Se discute el papel de los organismos fotótrofos en los procesos de deterioro de la tumba del Elefante, una de las más representativas de la Necrópolis, donde existe una abundante actividad biológica en el exterior de la tumba, y más limitada en el interior. En el exterior, la colonización de la calcarenita por líquenes evita su desintegración.