Back at the workshop the section work begins. The first cage is flipped onto a shallower cage then the excess is carefully levelled off. Roots are to be gently snipped one by one. The grass and humus layer also need careful cutting and snipping to maintain the integrity of the sand monolith's subtle features. With the unconsolidated sand it is very important to level off in very small increments so as to capture any variations in stratigraphy. 
     Once the thinner section is ready then the third and final smaller cage is prepared with a backing adhesive. The surface of the prepared face is sprayed generously with a liquefied adhesive then the two are joined. The final levelling process begins. It is very important to approach this with surgical precision (or should I say archaeological precision).
     The final preservation is now applied, again with a very liquefied adhesive. There are a number of translucent silicones, transparent polyurethanes and clear drying polyvinyl acetates available. All need to be liquefied with some form of thinners. All have varying advantages AND disadvantages. I have found the PVA's to be more advantageous.
     The final sand monolith photos are on their way. Stay tuned.
     This website is still very new and under regular updates and additions.  
     I am available to assist any team in preparing and extracting their own sand or soil monoliths. Find me on my contacts page.