Analysis of potential direct insolation as a degradation factor of cave paintings in Villar del Humo, Cuenca, Central Spain

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of direct sunlight on eleven given points of interest in Villar del Humo (Cuenca, Central Spain), and to determine to what extent this direct insolation, which is affected by both the regional and the local geomorphological configuration, influences the state and type of degradation of the paintings or of the host rock. The analysis of potential direct insolation with geographical information system (GIS) tools and morphometric field measurements shows that in latitudes such as the ones studied in this case, not only insolation time but also the maximum angle of solar elevation above the horizon seem to be of relevance when it comes to determining the influence of direct insolation. We believe this to be useful information, in particular with regard to the management and preservation of this archaeological heritage, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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