Shovel Test Excavation
Shovel test excavation helps archaeologists establish site boundaries and determine the potential depth of cultural materials beneath the ground. Based on the findings, archaeologists can evaluate the intactness of an archaeological site depending on the amount of disturbance from natural causes, such as rodent activity or erosion, or human causes, such as construction or looting. Evaluating site intactness helps determine how to manage an archaeological site and whether more excavation is needed.
Why do we do this?
Shovel test excavation helps archaeologists establish site boundaries and determine the potential depth of cultural materials beneath the ground. Based on the findings, archaeologists can evaluate the intactness of an archaeological site depending on the amount of disturbance from natural causes, such as rodent activity or erosion, or human causes, such as construction or looting. Evaluating site intactness helps determine how to manage an archaeological site and whether more excavation is needed.
Process
Archaeologists excavate 12-inch cylindrical holes where they think there may be cultural material beneath the ground. All excavated dirt is passed through a wire mesh to sift out small artifacts like charcoal or animal bone. They keep digging until they reach bedrock, or determine they are unlikely to find anything. When excavation is complete, archaeologists record data including dig depth, soil description, and artifacts found (if any). Then they fill the holes back in with the same dirt.
An artifact found
Total Station
SEARCH archaeologist Rachel Chaney describes how a Total Station is used as part of the archaeological process.
Gallery
