Fieldwork Techniques in Archaeology: Methods, Survey Strategies, and Stratigraphy

What are the two types of research questions in fieldwork?

Synchronic questions (specific snapshot in time) and diachronic questions (time-transgressive- across different periods and places).

Why is it necessary for fieldwork to be a group endeavor?

It incorporates diverse expertise and experiences, preventing a single dominant perspective.

What is the progression of research/fieldwork in terms of destructiveness?

It progresses from least to most destructive, starting with non-invasive techniques.

How can researchers identify where to conduct fieldwork?

By consulting locals and using field surveys to look for disruptions in the ground. Also, in order to find areas, you can take what's already known about the land (ex. rivers, certain plants- civilization is sometimes close to a source of water)

What is a regional survey in field research?

A type of research that investigates a large geographical area, using either full coverage or sampling methods.

What is the difference between full coverage and sampling in regional surveys?

Full coverage involves searching every centimeter of ground, while sampling selects specific areas to either randomly or to maximize coverage.

What are some non-invasive techniques used in fieldwork?

Techniques include aerial surveys, LIDAR, and ground penetrating radar (GPR).

What is LIDAR and how is it used in archaeology?

LIDAR (light and radar) is a remote sensing device that creates 3D maps of landscapes, useful for detecting archaeological features.

What is Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) used for?

GPR is used to find unmarked graves by detecting density changes in the ground. The time it takes for the signal return tells us how deep something is/the distance is from the signal that was let out

What are test pits in excavation?

Small pits (1x1 meter or 50x50 cm) that provide an initial view of ground layers.

What is the purpose of a grid system in excavation?

To record the provenience of artifacts within each excavation unit.

What is a datum in archaeological fieldwork?

A fixed origin point on the ground surface from which all directional measurements are taken.

What does the law of superposition state?

The oldest layers of sediment are at the bottom, barring external forces.

What are marker beds in stratigraphy?

Distinctive geological layers that serve as reliable time markers across multiple locales.

Why is meticulous documentation important in fieldwork?

Because excavation actively destroys the ground, and accurate records are needed to preserve information about the site.

What is the process of screening sediment during excavation?

Sediment is sieved, sometimes with water, to capture organic remains.

What happens to artifacts recovered during excavation?

They are placed in bags labeled with provenience information and cataloged later in the lab.

What is the goal after completing an excavation?

To restore the site as close to its natural state as possible.

What is an issue with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)?

It works best in dry sediments and works best where there are abrupt changes in density- so shallow graves and graves in wetter conditions would be harder to detect.

What is an issue with LIDAR?

It's so expensive (cost of the actual device and then the plane that flies over and the team of people…it adds up)

What does the grid system look like?

Cords laid out overtop of a site that separate it into equal "boxes" that are then numbered

What is an example of unique stratigraphy?

Stratigraphy at Ubeidiya, Israel- there's been lots of tectonic activity so the surface has become inclined which forced researchers to change their way of digging to keep the layers intact

What are subsurface surveys?

an array of non-invasive techniques that involve that uses technology to map features beneath the surface

What are some examples of subsurface surveys?

One way is by using probes (a tool for testing soil characteristics) and cores (a cylindrical extraction tool used to see stratigraphic layers). Also checking out plowed agricultural fields and trenches- look a layers and different colors of sediments which indicates a possible site

How do you record stratigraphy when excavating vertically?

When you are excavating by digging downwards you need to either pick a specific depth for your layers (ex. 5cm) or stop when there's a change in the sediment of the layers (usually a combo or whichever comes first)