Methodology for the Monitoring and Control of the Alterations Related to Biodeterioration and Physical-Chemical Processes Produced on the Paintings on the Ceiling of the Polychrome Hall at Altamira

Advanced microphotogrammetric monitoring reveals critical insights into the degradation of prehistoric cave paintings at Altamira, highlighting active processes such as pigment migration, washing, and bacterial colonization. By comparing high-resolution images from successive campaigns, researchers track the evolution of alterations with precision, providing quantifiable data on how water dynamics and fluid mechanics contribute to deterioration. These findings inform targeted conservation strategies to mitigate damage, offering a non-invasive model for protecting vulnerable rock art worldwide.

Prada, A., & Bayarri, V. (2024). Methodology for the Monitoring and Control of the Alterations Related to Biodeterioration and Physical-Chemical Processes Produced on the Paintings on the Ceiling of the Polychrome Hall at Altamira. Conservation, 4(4), 703–730. https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation4040042