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Determining the Suitability of Sedimentary Magnetism for Use in Interpretation of Archaeological Sites and Features

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2020, Master of Science, University of Akron, Geology.
The purpose of this project was to determine the suitability of using sedimentary magnetism in conjunction with soil spectroscopy and chemistry to interpret features from three archaeological sites at historic Native American settlements in northern and central Kansas. This project endeavors to supplement ongoing research to find methods to survey shallow subsurface archaeological features that leave them undisturbed and intact, therefore preserving them. Magnetic concentration, grain size, and mineralogy were determined for 334 samples of soil cores from these sites. Samples were measured with a magnetic susceptibility sensor then on a spinner magnetometer after being run through an AF demagnetizer and impulse magnetizer at certain mT. The magnetic data were also compared to chemical and spectral data from the same cores, which were used to produce contour and 3D isosurface plots of magnetic concentration data for the entire survey areas with depth using chemometric analysis. The results suggest that sedimentary magnetism can be used to supplement in situ spectral survey of archaeological sites. Based on the magnetic data, several archaeological features were found to have magnetic signatures that can be differentiated from background soil. The location of storage pits and of house structures such as hearths, house floors, and house walls were able to be determined and were different from one another. Specifically, house floors and house walls were more identifiable in the magnetic data than with the spectral survey data alone. The chemometric analysis was also able to add additional spatial clarity to a storage pit without excavation.
Linda Barrett (Advisor)
Timothy Matney (Committee Member)
David Perry (Committee Member)
150 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Krob, J. C. (2020). Determining the Suitability of Sedimentary Magnetism for Use in Interpretation of Archaeological Sites and Features [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1586319217152757

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Krob, Jorian. Determining the Suitability of Sedimentary Magnetism for Use in Interpretation of Archaeological Sites and Features . 2020. University of Akron, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1586319217152757.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Krob, Jorian. "Determining the Suitability of Sedimentary Magnetism for Use in Interpretation of Archaeological Sites and Features ." Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1586319217152757

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)