Modeling post-depositional mixing of archaeological deposits

Abstract

We develop a series of simple mathematical models that describe vertical mixing of archaeological deposits. The models are based on assigning probabilities that single artifact specimens are moved between discrete stratigraphic layers. A recursion relation is then introduced to describe the time evolution of mixing. Simulations are used to show that there may be important regularities that characterize the mixing of archaeological deposits including stages of dissipation, accumulation and equilibration. We discuss the impact of post-depositional mixing on the apparent occupation intensities at modeled stratified archaeological sites. The models may also help clarify some of the problems inherent in making general inferences about the nature culture change based on mixed archaeological deposits. We demonstrate the modeling approach by developing a post-depositional mixing model for the Barger Gulch Folsom site.