Archaeology studies the past through artifacts left by people, distinguishing it from paleontology which focuses on animals and plants.
Archaeologists often work with government agencies for construction projects, like the Nebraska Department of Transportation, to avoid disturbing significant sites.
The field involves research and conservation.
Key Aspects of Archaeological Surveys
Site Formation
Sites are areas where past human activities occurred.
Artifacts are often preserved if rapidly buried.
Settlements are usually near water sources and affected by natural events like slope wash and flooding.
Site Discovery
Systematic surveys with people spread out in defined intervals help discover new sites.
Artifacts like flint, pottery, and bones can indicate a settlement.
Surface surveying involves looking for artifacts in specific landscapes, such as near rivers and hills.
Site Evaluation
Sites are mapped using GPS and photographed.
Artifacts are flagged for further analysis.
Techniques like ground-penetrating radar, aerial photography, and magnetometers help detect buried structures.
Site Investigation Process
After identifying a significant site, further excavation is planned to determine the richest areas of interest.
Test excavations are conducted to narrow down specific dig spots.
Tools and Techniques
Ground-penetrating radar and magnetometers help in detecting subsurface structures.
Aerial photography provides a broad perspective of the site layout.
These tools help identify buried ruins and artifacts like burned materials and foundations.
Objectives and Outcomes
Determine the age, cultural affiliation (e.g., Native American tribes), function, and condition of the site.
Each site discovered contributes to the understanding of human distribution across landscapes.
The goal is to find information to learn about past civilizations rather than just collecting artifacts.
Archaeology helps uncover the stories of those who lived before us, adding depth to historical knowledge.