The intracontinental monogenetic alkaline basalt (s.l.) volcanic fields, several of which are located in densely populated areas, can be extremely diverse in terms of both petrology, geochemistry and volcanology. Although the life of individual volcanoes is a few days to a few years, the activity of fields can span millions of years. To better understand active volcanic fields and to determine the probability and style of future eruptions we have to study the formations of inactive areas. Understanding of volcanic and petrogenetic processes is possible through precise, mineral-scale, petrography-controlled petrological and geochemical examination. Based on whole-rock geochemical and mineral chemical data of the alkaline basalts (s.l.), as well as on detailed petrographic observations, it is possible to estimate the depth of melt generation, the source rock, the degree of partial melting, and the ascent history of the magma (fractional crystallization, assimilation, magma ascent history and speed of ascent). The monogenetic volcanic fields examined in detail in the Carpathian-Pannon region are: Nógrád-Gömör (Novohrad-Gemer), Persányi-hegység (Persani Mts), Kisalföld (Little Hungarian Plain), Burgenland-Stájer medence (Burganland-Styrian Basin), Bánát (Banat).

Determining the origin of the Neolithic polished and chipped stone tools and the place of origin of the raw material helps to reveal the trade relations of the period, the life of the people of that time, the contact and the interaction of cultures can be better understood. The most suitable way to identify the presumed raw materials is a detailed comparative petrological and geochemical analysis of the stone tools and the possible raw materials. Research is made more difficult by the fact that in many cases only non-destructive analytical methods can be used, which limits our possibilities and makes the determination of source rocks more uncertain. Applied methods: whole-rock geochemistry, macroscopic description, magnetic susceptibility measurements, thin section petrography (polarisation and electron microscopy), mineral chemistry (electron microscope, electron microprobe). Stone tools and archeological sites investigated in detail are: knapped stone tools, grinding and polishing stones (Pueblo Sajama, Bolivia; Csanádpalota; Alsónyék-Bátaszék), polished stone tools (Alsónyék-Bátaszék; Öcsöd-Kováshalom; Polgár-Csőszhlom; Gödöllő Hills).