This article proposes a methodologic approach to the study of alteration traces in fragmented ceramics through the analysis of erosion, accretions and fragment size. As to erosion traces, five relevant observation parameters are proposed: edge rounding, corner rounding, microchipping, delamination and pedestalling. Also stated is the importance of a systematic approach to the study of this phenomenon, in order to determine the nature of the deposit and the analysis of site formation processes.