North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics
North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics
Graphic/Image:
Project Name: On-A-Slant Village (32MO26), ND (2);
Reference: Kvamme, K. L. (2002). Final Report of Geophysical Investigations Conducted at On-A-Slant Village (32MO26), Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, North Dakota, 2001. Archeo-Imaging Lab, University of Arkansas. Submitted to Anthropology Research, University of North Dakota.
Results
of the resistivity survey of an earthlodge. The resistivity data, recorded at
7 different probe separations or "depths," showed little variation
with depth. In general, the earthlodge floor indicates relatively low resistivity
while the surrounding soil portrays much higher resistivity. No interior features
of the house are apparent in any of the data sets. Upon destruction or abandonment
and subsequent deterioration the earth covering a lodge tends to form an outer
ring about its perimeter. This overburden tends to be thinnest in the lodge
interior and thickest about its margins, contributing to the formation of the
commonly seen topographic depression. This spoil, in general, tends to exhibit
higher relative resistivity, probably due to reduced compaction. Moreover, the
central topographic depression may serve to concentrate rainfall, or moisture
content, while the floor itself, if compacted, may act as a barrier serving
to hold moisture above it with the result that resistivity within the surface
depression is further lowered. While a circular plan is expected (see GPR),
and can be argued from the data, these results also give a hint of a square/rectangular
form that was suggested by the magnetic data.