The scale of soil investigations in archaeology

Zanjón Seco is an important late Holocene archaeological locality in the Argentine Pampas, producing the oldest traces of pottery in the region as well as significant evidence for ancient hunter‐gatherer lifestyles. Despite its importance, the formation processes resulting in the subsurface concentration of artifacts and bones have not been studied. Here, we present geoarchaeological studies carried out from a pedostratigraphic perspective that link the dynamics of sedimentation in the area (pulses of loess) with particular pedological processes associated with the biomechanical action of soil biota, mainly earthworms. We suggest that these explain both the burial and vertical distribution of archaeological materials at this locality.

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental dynamics and formation processes at the pampean archaeological locality Zanjón Seco, Argentina

Dubois

Politis

2017

“…Both surface and buried archaeological material placed on soils need to be interpreted in the light of pedogenetic processes (Holliday, Ferring, & Goldberg, 1993). Macro-and microscopic observations of profiles give information about biochemical processes (e.g., bioactivity intensity, pH, REDOX, etc.)…”

Section: Soil Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gravity and the formation of the archaeological record: Main concepts and methodological tools

Ozán

2017

This contribution aims to discuss how gravity‐driven processes affect the archaeological record with the goal of building a broad conceptual and methodological framework for dealing with these contexts. A wide compilation of cases regarding gravity‐driven processes is analyzed to recognize relevant environmental factors, the way they affect the properties of the record, and long‐term archaeological expectations. Only by understanding the specific mechanisms and processes that occur in each context can an accurate methodological approach be chosen on which to base interpretations. A careful taphonomic study of the spatial distribution, frequency, size, diversity, and orientation of materials comprising the archaeological record is the first step to recognizing formation processes. Actualistic studies provide a framework for discussing the timing and intensity at which processes occur. A detailed geomorphological description is required to interpret sedimentological and micromorphological analysis, which in turn helps understanding of the relative subaerial permanence of the record, its temporal resolution, and preservation potential. Interpreting surface and buried materials requires the understanding of pedogenetic processes. Broad in/off‐site spatial sampling strategies definitely yield a more realistic picture about the variety of processes in slope settings.

“…Soil micromorphology-the study of soils in thin section-has traditionally focused on soil genesis and classification (Courty et al, 1989;Kooistra, 1990;Goldberg, 1992), and often provides evidence concerning the sequence of pedologic events and processes that are not discernible from field or lab data (Holliday et al, 1993). Thin section samples are unique, as they preserve soil materials and fine sediments in their original architecture or fabric.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Micromorphology of Cotiga Mound, West Virginia

Cremeens

2005

Micromorphology samples from Cotiga Mound (ca. 2100 yr B.P.) reveal distinct microstructures associated with mound construction and post-construction pedogenesis of the mound materials. The interface between layers of basketloads displays sharp, irregular contacts with little to no evidence of pedoturbation, suggesting rapid construction. Evidence of clay and iron translocation, along with well-preserved charcoal fragments containing identifiable cell structure, were observed in samples collected from hearth features. Both the prepared surface and associated central burial feature at the base of the mound have a complex microstructure, characterized by charcoal layers and zones of clay accumulation, along with microstratification in the prepared surface. Clay translocation, formation of a complex void network, and ironmanganese accumulation were the dominant pedogenic processes that modified the completed mound.