Biomantle formation and artifact translocation in upland sandy soils: An example from the Holly Springs National Forest, north‐central Mississippi, U.S.A.

Abstract

Test excavations at prehistoric site 22MR539 in the North Central Hills uplands of Mississippi have provided evidence of the effects of bioturbation on artifacts within the soil. Artifact distribution and size data are compared to soil particle size and organic content to determine the soil developmental pathway. Progressive soil formation factors have formed a biomantle over a currently forming artifact stone line, while regressive factors have moved artifacts to a depth of more than 50 cm below surface over approximately 2000 years. The single-component, short-term nature of 22MR539 and many similar sites recorded in the area provide an ideal situation to further explore biological and mechanical factors in site formation in an upland setting. ᭧

Deciphering complex soil/site formation in sands

“…To this end, we employed the dynamic denudation approach, which allows for expanded explanatory options in process archaeology, geomorphology, and pedology (cf. Johnson et al, 2002Johnson et al, , 2005aJohnson, 2002;Balek, 2002;Peacock and Fant, 2002;Van Nest, 2002). This approach is useful in profiles and at sites where bioturbation and biosorting are either dominant processes, or co-equal with "normal" horizonation processeswhich include most soils, and, therefore, most open archaeological sites.…”

The “Invisible” Maya: Minimally Mounded Residential Settlement at Itzán, Petén, Guatemala

“…In upland settings, including those favored by the Maya for residential settlement (Ashmore 1981 a), building remains are buried primarily by bioturbation (Johnston 2002:5-12). As an outcome, architectural remains can become buried by sinking to the bottom of the "biomantle," or the uppermost, organic-rich soil layer in which the faunal and floral agents of bioturbation are most active (Balek 2002; Johnson 1989Johnson , 2002Peacock and Fant 2002;Van Nest 2002). During bioturbation, soil matter is vertically and horizontally mixed and reorganized by the burrowing activities of faunal agents, including earthworms and other agents, and the lateral movement and uprooting of tree roots (Balek 2002; Johnson and Watson-Stegner 1990; Van Nest 2002; Wood and Johnson 1978).…”

The fire stones carry: Ethnographic records and archaeological expectations for hot-rock cookery in western North America

“…Cook stones in pit features were originally placed about 25 cm below the surface, which tends to be in the lower portion of, or just below, the most active zone of pedoturbation (cf. Balek, 2002;Bocek, 1986;Peacock and Fant, 2002;Smith, 1984Smith, , 2000Van Nest, 2002). In forested areas, tree throws and stump burns through the millennia are likely to impact even the most robust and deeply buried cook-stone features (Thoms, 1996(Thoms, , 2007a.…”