Sampling in Marine Field

Abstract

The sampling of archaeological deposits in a marine field reveals advances in our understanding of human–environment interactions. The sampling of traditional archaeological materials as well as analytical techniques in a marine setting is discussed. Sampling methods for extracting sediment from a marine setting include cores, shovel testing, and dredging. Analytical techniques include particle size analysis, chemical analysis, magnetic susceptibility, loss‐on‐ignition, macroscopic analysis, pollen analysis, and sensitive environmental indicators such as ostracods and foraminifera. These techniques have been applied to a wide variety of marine settings, including near‐shore, offshore, and on continental shelves.