This paper considers the application of deposit modeling within archaeological projects, summarizing the results of a Historic England funded project aimed at developing “good practice” for the application of these techniques within terrestrial environments. It provides an overview of what deposit modeling is, the environments where it can be used and the methods most commonly used. The paper identifies a series of issues and challenges in using deposit models within archaeological investigations, such as the archiving of geotechnical data, the testing of deposit models against the distribution of archaeological sites and features, and integrating sediment stratigraphies derived from deposit modeling with post‐excavation records. We argue that deposit modeling is a valuable tool for archeologists to employ and can be used to design appropriate excavation strategies to target sites and features, thereby increasing the information yield of a project. In this sense deposit modeling can be used as a framework for archaeological projects that are investigating sediment sequences in complex geomorphological environments, starting with pre‐evaluation data gathering, through to focusing excavation strategies, and within the post‐excavation analysis. Whilst this paper is focused upon the terrestrial archaeological record, the themes discussed have resonance for archaeological records across the globe, including the offshore zone.
historic england, The engine house, swindon, UK ABSTRACT Our changing climate poses risks to the historic environment but also brings opportunities for new discoveries and ways for people to engage with it. At Historic England, part of our responsibility is to understand what future changes we might expect and the impact these may have on our ability to protect historic buildings, archaeological remains and landscapes. This paper describes projects that have used spatial analysis to assess the risk and vulnerability of sites to flooding and coastal erosion. It summarises how we responded to the recent UK Climate Change Risk Assessment and outlines the research we believe is needed to strengthen the evidence base in time for the next cycle of reporting so that the historic environment is better served by the process. Finally, it outlines the adaptive measures that have been proposed to enable Historic England to address the risks and make the most of the opportunities created by climate change.
Historic England, and its precursor English Heritage, has a long tradition of supporting research into the discovery, understanding and management of archaeological sites in wetland landscapes, spanning uplands, lowlands, and coastal environments. In this paper I will explore how the emphasis of that research has changed over time, from the early extensive surveys and assessments of archaeology in the main lowland wetland areas of England, through to detailed understanding of particular places under threat and processes that pose risk to the long-term preservation of archaeological and paleoenvironmental remains in wetlands. Such processes encompass environmental risks, including climate change, and those created – intentionally or otherwise – by changing land management practices. Emphasis has shifted from management regimes that focus on individual sites towards those that include a detailed understanding of their broader hydrological context and landscape setting. Throughout the paper, I will reflect on the way Martin’s research has complemented, influenced and contributed to the evolving research agenda for England’s wetlands.
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