In situ shallow subsurface reflectance spectroscopy of archaeological soils and features: a case-study of two Native American settlement sites in Kansas

Laboratory Detection Limits of Potential Human Decomposition Products Under a Variety of Soil Conditions

“…Phosphorus is another element present in animal biomass, stored in the components of nucleic acids, phospholipids, and bones (Anderson, 1996;Dent et al, 2003). Phosphorus is liberated during decomposition through many complex pathways (Dent et al, 2003) and tends to accumulate in soil rather than being removed or leached out (Matney et al, 2014). Stokes et al (2009) suggested that phosphorus-based compounds are among the most common byproducts of cadaver decomposition and are detectable in the soil for a period of time after decomposition, offering good potential as "forensic tools.…”

“…Although mid-infrared spectra may be easier to interpret than near-infrared spectra in complex materials such as soil, the instruments are often more expensive and not intended for use in the field (Reeves, 2010;Bellon-Maurel and McBratney, 2011;Janik et al, 1998). Due to the cost and lack of available equipment utilizing mid-infrared spectroscopy, previous S4 Initiative studies have been limited to an instrument capable of producing visible to near-infrared spectra (Matney et al, 2014).…”

“…Research by the S4 Initiative team has begun (Matney et al, 2014) to demonstrate the feasibility of using an in situ subsurface infrared spectroscopy method to locate archaeological remains. Matney et al (2014) used a truck-mounted probe delivery system and an integrated spectrometer to view the visible and near-infrared spectra of the subsurface soil of a certain area in Kansas, to detect the presence of known anthropogenic features left behind by Native American peoples. They were attempting to see spectral signatures indicating the presence of three aspects of the archaeological soil: hearth soil, carbon content, and phosphorus content (Matney et al, 2014).…”

“…Matney et al (2014) used a truck-mounted probe delivery system and an integrated spectrometer to view the visible and near-infrared spectra of the subsurface soil of a certain area in Kansas, to detect the presence of known anthropogenic features left behind by Native American peoples. They were attempting to see spectral signatures indicating the presence of three aspects of the archaeological soil: hearth soil, carbon content, and phosphorus content (Matney et al, 2014). Though the objectives of the S4 Initiative's proposed instrument are intended to further archaeological techniques, the fields of forensics, national security, agriculture, and environmental science would benefit as well.…”

Technique, analysis routines, and application of direct push-driven in situ color logging

“…They state the method to be a useful application. Matney et al (2014) provide a field example of archaeological prospection using an in situ VIS-NIR reflectance spectroscopy approach (coupled to electrical conductivity sensor) for 1-m depth exploration of buried structures.…”