North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics
North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics
Abstract/Summary:
Project Name: 48TE1079, WY;
Reference: Cannon, Kenneth P., et al. (2001). The Results of Archaeological Investigations at Three Sites Along the Wilson-Fall Creek Road Corridor, Teton County, Wyoming. National Park Service, Midwest Archeological Center, Lincoln, Nebraska.
In addition to the geophysical survey conducted at the Burchardt site (48TE1374), a magnetic susceptibility investigation was conducted on soil sample cores taken from within the site. Samples were taken from excavation blocks B and E at 5-cm intervals and sealed in a 23-mm plastic cubic box, along with profile proveniences. The samples were then brought back to the Midwest Archeological Center for testing.
Testing was done using a Bartington MS2 system that was set up on a wooden table, which was located away from metallic objects to minimize any magnetic effects from external sources. Prior to measuring the sample, an empty plastic cube was placed in the sensor to determine the susceptibility of the plastic, so that the Multisus instrument could correct for the sealed samples. The samples were measured in both Low Frequency Range (XLF) and High Frequency Range (XHF). The frequency dependency was also computed. High and low frequency measurements are used to detect ultrafine (<0.03mm) superparamagnetic ferromagnetic minerals, which result from bacteria or chemical process in the soil. Higher readings indicate multiple causes for magnetic enhancement found in the excavation units. Lower readings are indicative of weathering, erosional, and depositional processes at the site.
Magnetic susceptibility data of soil profiles provide complementary data for stratigraphic profiles, geoarcheological analysis, and artifact analysis. Combining these kinds of analyses provides a more enlightened view of site formation processes, environmental history, and past activities.