Preservation Of Archaeological Sites Research Articles

Closure of Khor Al Balid and Khor Rori harbours/estuaries with coastal uplift and aridity in the 12th – 15th c. CE and evidence for an extreme overwash event in the 18th – 19th c. CE: Implications for ancient port sites in southern Oman

Ancient maritime trading ports along the southern coast of Oman have been the target of archaeological excavations for several decades. Though historical chronologies are well-researched, information from a paleoenvironmental perspective is lacking and can provide a more complete understanding of site development. This study investigates the timing of coastal sand barrier accumulation in the natural harbours at Khor Al Balid and Khor Rori, which had considerable effects on the populations at the ancient cities of al–Balīd and Sumhuram, respectively. Six cores from Khor Al Balid and four cores from Khor Rori were analyzed using sedimentological, microfossil (foraminifera and testate amoebae), geochemical (μXRF), and radiocarbon dating methods. Marine proxies (e.g., Amphistegina spp., C. pseudolobatulus, E. limbatum, Sr, Ca/Si) and lagoon proxies (e.g., T. macrescens, T. inflata, C. constricta and C. aculeata, Ti/Ca, Fe/Ca) were used to identify Marine Sand, Brackish Lagoon/Marsh, and Freshwater facies. Results indicate that the eastern arm of Khor Al Balid closed off from the sea around the 12th century CE and that the western arm closed around the 15th century CE. Siltation of harbours and the formation of sand barriers may have contributed towards site abandonment. Previous archaeological findings suggest that al-Balīd was able to continue with maritime trade activities along the southern seaside edge of the city for several centuries after siltation of Khor Al Balid, possibly with the help of dredging. An extreme overwash event was recorded in almost all cores across both sampling sites, suggesting that a very large cyclone or a tsunami hit the southern Oman coast sometime around the 18th–19th century CE. This event, as well as continuous coastal sand accumulation, may have contributed to the decline and abandonment of Khor Al Balid and highlights the impacts that large storm/wave events have on archaeological site preservation.

Examining the sustainable impact of urban expansion and urban expansion policies on archaeological sites: evidence from Jordan and Saudi Arabia

Abstract This research aims to explore the effect of urban expansion on archaeological sites, particularly those located within the urban fabric. The researcher will present maps of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and Amman in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan from 2004 to 2018, highlighting the changes in urban expansion policies and their impact on these archaeological sites. Moreover, this study takes into account the concept of sustainability in urban expansion. Some studies have reported that populations will be more concentrated in urban areas and that cities will continue to grow (Min et al., 2019). As a result of this rapid urban growth, there is a pressing need to consider the sustainability of these developments, including their impact on archaeological sites. By examining the positive and negative changes in archaeological sites surrounded by the urban fabric, this research seeks to identify the main reasons behind these changes. Furthermore, this study will propose suggestions for improving policies and procedures in these cities regarding the preservation of archaeological sites, with a focus on sustainability.

Archaeological sites in Grand Canyon National Park along the Colorado River are eroding owing to six decades of Glen Canyon Dam operations

The archaeological record documenting human history in deserts is commonly concentrated along rivers in terraces or other landforms built by river sediment deposits. Today that record is at risk in many river valleys owing to human resource and infrastructure development activities, including the construction and operation of dams. We assessed the effects of the operations of Glen Canyon Dam – which, since its closure in 1963, has imposed drastic changes to flow, sediment supply and distribution, and riparian vegetation – on a population of 362 archaeological sites in the Colorado River corridor through Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA. We leverage 50 years of evidence from aerial photographs and more than 30 years of field observations and measurements of archaeological-site topography and wind patterns to evaluate changes in the physical integrity of archaeological sites using two geomorphology-based site classification systems. We find that most archaeological sites are eroding; moreover, most are at increased risk of continuing to erode, due to six decades of operations of Glen Canyon Dam. Results show that the wind-driven (aeolian) supply of river-sourced sand, essential for covering archaeological sites and protecting them from erosion, has decreased for most sites since 1973 owing to effects of long-term dam operations on river sediment supply and riparian vegetation expansion on sandbars. Results show that the proportion of sites affected by erosion from gullies controlled by the local base-level of the Colorado River has increased since 2000. These changes to landscape processes affecting archaeological site integrity limit the ability of the National Park Service and Grand Canyon-affiliated Native American Tribes to achieve environmental management goals to maintain or improve site integrity in situ. We identify three environmental management opportunities that could be used to a greater extent to decrease the risk of erosion and increase the potential for in-situ preservation of archaeological sites. Environmental management opportunities are: 1) sediment-rich controlled river floods to increase the aeolian supply of river-sourced sand, 2) extended periods of low river flow to increase the aeolian supply of river-sourced sand, 3) the removal of riparian vegetation barriers to the aeolian transport of river-sourced sand.

АВТОНОМНЫЙ РОБОТ ДЛЯ МОНИТОРИНГА НАЗЕМНЫХ АРХЕОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ РАСКОПОК

The great interest in cultural heritage reflects a person's desire to know and understandtheir origins and achievements. However, archaeological sites, like the natural environment, arefinite non-renewable resources. Of all the types of heritage under threat, archaeological sites andtheir wealth of information and artifacts are the most threatened. In current practice, options forthe preservation of archaeological sites include reconstruction, reassembly (anastilesis), in situ conservation and protection, including shelter and/or tissue consolidation, ex situ preservation byrelocation, and reburial with or without site interpretation. her. However, it is very important notto move or lose artifacts during archaeological excavations. If they are lost or moved, their informationpotential is lost. In order to ensure constant control of the process of archaeological research,fixing the artifacts found, building a three-dimensional model of the object under studyand ensuring safety at the site, an excavation monitoring system has been developed, deployed onan autonomous robot. The objective of this study is the development of hardware and software forthe robot. The robot is a suspended platform for data collection, the movement of which is providedby several cables fixed on fixed supports. The movement of the platform (both in the plane andin height) is provided by changing the length of the cables. Such a movement scheme makes itpossible to move the platform in the entire plane of the triangle formed by the fixed supports, aswell as to descend or ascend to a height limited by the height of the supports themselves. The dataacquisition platform is a flat platform with a communication module, a microcontroller and abattery installed on it. A gyro stabilizer is attached to the bottom, with a video camera and arangefinder mounted on it, which allows you to dampen vibrations during the movement of theplatform and external disturbances. A multi-agent algorithm for the operation of the robot monitoringsystem during excavation is presented. A program has been developed for managing andcollecting data from the monitoring system of archaeological sites.To test the monitoring system, arobot prototype was made, which was tested during excavations of a complex of archaeologicalmonuments in the Baksan region of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic.

The Role of Modern Techniques in Preservation of Archaeological Sites

Abstract Archaeological sites have always suffered from loss and degradation due to many human and natural hazards. In recent decades, interest in preserving archaeological sites has increased dramatically. Many modern techniques have emerged from the different disciplines that can be used in preservation works, and a large number of the techniques and their capability made it difficult for decision-makers and specialists to determine the appropriate technique that gives the best results in preserving the archaeological site. The research aims to identify the project needed to preserve the archaeological site and then choose the appropriate technique for it, based on the opinions of experts using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method, which helps decision-makers and specialists to choose the most appropriate technology. The archaeological site of Babylon was chosen as a case study. As a result of applying the AHP method, the priority weights of preservation stages for the archaeological site of Babylon were determined as follows: (diagnosis and monitoring 30.8 %), (intervention 21.2 %), and (tourism and media 16.6 %), while the appropriate technique was determined as follows: (infrared thermography 29.4 %), (maintenance 49.3 %), and (augmented reality 38.7 %).

Sustainable Reuse of Dark Archaeological Heritage Sites to Promote Ghost Tourism in Egypt: The Case of the Baron Palace

Egypt is one of the few countries with significant archaeological sites in every region. Some of these sites have been identified as dark archaeological sites that have not been used in a long time. The study proposes a strategy for the long-term reuse of these sites through niche tourism, i.e., dark or ghost tourism, which has received little attention from decision-makers or tourism planners. Furthermore, they have received little attention from Egyptian scholars. The current study fills knowledge gaps and contributes to the preservation of archaeological sites through sustainable reuse, ultimately helping Egypt’s sustainable tourism development. Using the case of the Baron Palace, the study investigates the potential for dark and ghost tourism in Egypt, as well as the barriers and development recommendations. To achieve the study’s goal, the research adopted a qualitative approach that relied on in-depth interviews with various stakeholders. The discussions revealed that, while Egypt has many types of tourism, both dark and ghost tourism have significant potential and opportunities through the reuse of dark archaeological sites. However, there are numerous impediments to proper implementation. Recommendations were made to overcome these obstacles, achieve positive economic, social, and environmental outcomes, and ensure the long-term viability of archaeological heritage.

Археологические памятники г. Элисты (по археологическим разведкам С. В. Арапова 1992 г.): современное состояние

Introduction. The earliest surveys of kurgans in the vicinity of Elista were conducted in 1929 . To date, this area of Kalmykia — southern part of the Ergeni Upland — remains a most underexplored one. Only burial sites from the Bronze, Iron and Middle Ages have been investigated here. However, there is still no consolidated list of existing archaeological sites located in the city district of Elista. Meanwhile, as the administrative center of the Republic, the city is continuously growing, residential areas and economic facilities are being rebuilt, once remote outskirts of the city are being actively developed. All these factors threaten the archaeological sites. Goals. The article aims to introduce the results of S. Arapov’s surveys and an updated description of kurgans identified in 1992 into scientific circulation. Results. Our insight into the 1992 field report of S. Arapov shows the document describes a total of 22 monuments (single mounds and kurgan groups) comprising 87 kurgans. These can be divided into four groups, namely: kurgans on a ridge south of the city, ones on northwestern city outskirts, ones in northeastern parts, and those on a ridge west of the airport. The 2022 efforts have localized 52 of the 87 mounds identified by S. Arapov in 1992, the remaining 35 mounds never to have been rediscovered. The main reason for this state of affairs is the lack of systematic work, some of the monuments had stayed unprotected by law only to be damaged or destroyed during construction and agricultural activities. To date, it is urgent to intensify work for the identification and preservation of archaeological sites in the vicinity of Elista. It is necessary to register archaeological monuments and list them as cultural heritage sites, this being the only way to protect them from potential destruction in the future.

Human Impact Scale on the Preservation of Archaeological Sites from Mostiştea Valley (Romania)

Through time, both natural and cultural heritage have unfortunately been under threat due to multiple environmental and human-induced factors, which are likely to trigger various hazards such as soil erosion, landslides, or land collapse. The analysis of old cartographic material, aerial imagery, and satellite imagery has been used in multiple studies to observe and understand the changes that archaeological sites have undergone over the last centuries. These efforts are intended, among other things, to raise awareness of the threats affecting cultural heritage and prevent damages and preserve tangible evidence of the distant past. In this study, historical maps and satellite imagery were analyzed to observe how the landscape in the Mostiștea Valley (Romania) has been used over the last 230 years and how the land use has affected the cultural heritage. Land cover and land use (LCLU) changes in the Mostiștea Valley have occurred due to numerous natural and anthropic forces. These changes have resulted in the damage of tangible heritage in the area with varying degrees of intensity. The results of this study allow the quantification of the magnitude of these changes and their impact on different sites in the region.

Digitalizing and Protecting Archaeological Sites in The Kurdistan Region

By mapping and digitalizing the archaeological sites, it is an important task in the process of protecting the heritage and archaeological sites. Digital protection of archaeological sites focuses on finding, developing and protecting archaeological sites.  In other words, the digitalization of heritage and archaeology is the process of digitalizing the transmitted archaeological sites and not being moved using modern science of remote sensing in parallel with computer technology to obtain a three-dimensional digital archive to protect and renovate the archaeological sites in the event of their destruction. Having a digital archive of the foundation for the preservation of archaeological sites and heritage and the possibility of destruction of the archaeological sites will revive history. “The development of informational technology, such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, multimedia, broadband network, and databases, has provided effective tools for heritage protection” (Zhou. et al, 2012 p.1). How these technologies are used to protect the history of archaeological sites digitally is now another task for modern archaeologists and scientists to protect the archaeological sites digitally in 3D models. In this regard, we focus on digitalizing the archaeological sites and electronically reviewing them in order to create a local database to create a photographic archive of archaeological and cultural sites. 

CASE REPORT: THE FORTH MAXILLARY MOLARS IN WOMAN LIVING IN THE IV CENTURY A.D.

Supernumerary teeth in humans are considered as those in addition to the normal series of deciduous or permanent dentition. Distomolars or the forth molars that erupt behind wisdom teeth are found in 0,18–3,8% of the modern population, but are quite rare compared to other supernumerary teeth. Odontologic studies of ancient and contemporary populations allow not only evaluate health state, life style and diet of people, but explain etiology, clinic manifestations and treatment of dentomaxillary abnormalities. The forth molars mostly are mostly described in people over the period of the XIX-XXІ centuries and only few researchers presented this variant in ancient people.
 The aim of the study was to estimate a case of supernumerary teeth in human remains, which represented by Chernyachov archarological culture artefacts. Sex and death age were established by methods widely accepted in anthropology. The method of analysis of dento-maxillary region developed by the authors and orthopantomography were used for dental examination.
 An undamaged skeleton was found during archaeologic expedition nearby the town of Shyshaki, Poltava region (burial No 112) in 2016 and now are kept at Archaeological Site Preservation and Research Centre (Poltava). Archaeologists defined the remains dated by the end of the IV c. AD. The skeleton belonged to 1820 years` women was in a good state; no pathological changes of the skeleton were found. Maxilla of the skeleton had supernumerary forth molar (tooth 19) and alveolar sockets of teeth 13, 12, 21, 22, 25, 27, 28 and 29 recorded as being lost anteand postmortem. Teeth presented neither enamel hypoplasia nor tooth wear. Root of tooth 19 was immature.
 Etiology of supernumerary teeth is still unclear yet, but there are no data supporting atavistic theory. Bilateral distomolars could be a symptom of systemic abnormalities of dentofacial region, but the skeleton studied had no pathological changes, so this abnormality could not be characterized as systemic. Supernumerary teeth could be described as a congenital anomaly associated with chromosome, autosome or dominant transmission, but the authors do not have enough evidence to prove such nature of this anomaly. This studied case is more likely related to the theory of hyperactivity of dental lamina during follicle development that dominates nowadays.
 According to morphological classification, supernumerary teeth in our case are of premolar shape.
 Сlinical manifestations of distomolars can be different. Distomolars can be asymptomatic and rarely found erupted; they may provoke no problems or hurt buccal mucosa. Also a retained distomolar may cause retention and pericoronaritis of the third molar, development of keratoand paradental cysts, localized periodontitis, decompression of lower alveolar nerve, or manifests itself in jaw fracture. Oral signs of retained distomolar are mobility of the third molar, discomfort feeling in retromolar area, bulging of mandible. Supernumery and retained teeth are mostly found by X-ray examinations usually taken for non-related dental problems. The distomolars investigated were retained and the mosy likely caused no problems.
 Basic methods of the treatment of the fourth molars are extraction and observation, however, choice of the treatment method depends on clinical manifestations and estimation of individual risk factors.
 Supernumerary retained fourth molars in the studied woman are non-systemic distomolars with premolar shape. Taking into account that most of the fourth molars are detected by X-ray examination, dentists should be careful not to miss this abnormality.

3D photogrammetry as a tool for studying erosive processes at a Roman coastal site: the case of the Roman fish-salting plant at Sobreira (Vigo, Spain)

Rising sea levels, along with other biological and human factors, have increased erosion rates at a number of important sites located along the Atlantic coastline. Project GaltFish implemented a series of contingency measures to record some of these sites before they degraded further or totally disappeared. This process involved detailed photogrammetric recording of some of the sites under threat over a set period of time. One of the sites selected for this project was Sobreira (Vigo, Galicia): a Roman fish-salting factory which was partially destroyed by building activity in the 1980s and the remains of which are under threat from marine erosion and human action. In order to study the site, two photogrammetric models were created to examine the effect of erosive processes across the course of one year. The results illustrate that photogrammetry is an efficient tool for recording and analysing the issue of erosion. The data compiled helped in designing additional action in the factory, which was subject to a rescue excavation to record and help protect the site from further damage. This paper presents the results of this project, as well as the methodology used to produce the models, the data generated and their analysis. It is argued that the methodology can be used to collect and analyse data from other sites, and that this data could inform the political/administrative decision-making processes which concern the future management and preservation of archaeological sites under threat.

«КЛАДОИСКАТЕЛЬСТВО»В БАШКИРИИ: РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ АНАЛИЗА ИНТЕРНЕТ-СООБЩЕСТВ

In the last decade in Russia, the activities of looters of archaeologıcal sıtes have become more and more widespread. Every year, from early spring to late autumn, looters equipped with powerful metal detectors and other devices search for new artifacts damaging the cultural layer of archaeological monuments. Recently, due to the lack of written sources about the stages in the history of their development, some regions of the country have faced the problem that later developed into a key one. One of these regions is the Republic of Bashkortostan. The author's analysis of various sources revealed that the system of protection and preservation of archaeological sites in Russia is ineffective in countering looters, and is mainly aimed at combating negligent housing developers. In a wide information space, there are no analytical materials and scientific works that objectively reflect such illegal activities. In most works, only the damage done by the “treasure hunters” is stated. According to the author, one of the most accessible sources for researching the activities and subculture of looters are online communities in social networks. The study identified three groups of “black diggers” in the social network “VKontakte”. Using various software programs and scientific methods, subscribers and content were examined. Based on the results, the author concludes that the activities of looters are actively encouraged in social networks. In such groups, there are discussions on the findings obtained as a result of the illegal search for a “treasure”, effective methods and ways of avoiding responsibility, as well group coordination and arrangement of conventions.

РЕГУЛИРОВАНИЕ АРХЕОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ В РЕСПУБЛИКЕ КАЗАХСТАН

The article deals with issues of regulation of archaeological activity in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan regulates the preservation of archaeological sites, as well as the organization of archaeological, expert and advisory work. The study of sites is carried out by employees of subordinate organizations of both the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Ministry of Education and Science. Disunity and methodological issues that have not been worked out between the two departments cause damage to the preservation and study of archaeological sites. An analysis of two laws and six by-laws revealed the existing problems, and some ways have been proposed to solve this issue.

Risk and Resources: An Evaluation of the Ability of National Soil Datasets to Predict Post-Depositional Processes in Archaeological Sites and Heritage at Risk

Previous studies have demonstrated the vast range of physical, chemical and biological processes that influence the preservation of archaeological sites, yet characterisation at the site-level remains largely unexplored. National datasets on soil type, land use and erosion modelling have the potential to predict localised impacts but remain an untapped resource in the evaluation of heritage at risk. Using early medieval Scotland as a case study, this paper explores in detail some of the primary factors which have impacted the archaeological record and the degree to which site-based evidence contained in excavation reports compares with national datasets (Land Cover Map 2015, Soil Information for Scottish Soils and Soils of Scotland Topsoil pH) and coastal erosion models (Dynamic Coast National Coastal Change Assessment and Coastal Erosion Susceptibility Model). This provides valuable information on the preservation of Scotland’s early medieval settlement, as well as a methodology for using national datasets in the remote assessment of post-depositional factors across the broader archaeological landscape. Results indicate that agriculture, bioturbation and aggressive soil conditions are among the most significant factors impacting Scotland’s archaeological remains. While the national datasets examined have the potential to inform heritage management strategies on these processes, their use is limited by a number of theoretical and methodological issues. Moving forward, site-specific studies that characterise the preservation environment will be crucial in developing baseline assessments that will advance both local and global understandings of destructive factors and soil-mediated decay.

ОБ ОХРАНЕ ПАМЯТНИКОВ УСТЬ-ЧУМЫШСКОГО МИКРОРАЙОНА

The article analyzes the conducted activities for protection of several archaeological sites of the Ust-Chumysh microdistrict located at the mouth of the Chumysh River in the Talmensky District of the Altai Territory. It should be noted that it has been the first and the only experience of preventive protection measures in the Altai Territory so far. At the initiative of the scientific community, conservation measures started, which led to the creation of the only natural and historical reserve in Altai, one of its goals being the preservation of archaeological sites. Specific measures for completion of this work have been proposed. The positive results of such activities of interdepartmental interaction were in the absence of both natural and anthropogenic destruction in the analyzed archaeological microdistrict, which prompted us to formulate a proposal to share this experience, its essence being a creation of an interdepartmental working group with involvement of scientific community in order to include archaeological sites in the list of protected objects of the existing specially protected areas, with a subsequent change in their status from natural to natural-historical. Keywords: nature reserve, protection, archaeology, interaction, Altai Territory, microdistrict

Morphometric analysis of landforms in the vicinity of the Palaeolithic site Ihrovytsia I in Podillia and prospects for the protection

The landforms have always had a significant impact, both on the formation of ancient settlements and on the conditions for further preservation of natural and social monuments. The study of morphometric characteristics of the landforms is one of the key parts of a comprehensive study of such cultural heritage objects as Palaeolithic sites. The purpose of this article is to analyze the main morphometric characteristics of the landforms of the vicinity of Middle Palaeolithic site Ihrovytsia I in Podillia, which belongs to the main Palaeolithic sites of the Ternopil centre, as well as the creation and presentation of protection documentation (passport). Certification is a mandatory measure that contributes to the preservation of archaeological sites, including Palaeolithic sites. The passport contains all the necessary information about the history, main characteristics, preservation conditions, as well as the condition of the monument. Such passports allow the persons and agencies responsible for the preservation and protection of cultural heritage to quickly and in sufficient detail get acquainted with the condition of the objects in order to develop an effective action plan for their reconstruction and preservation. The passport is developed for the Ihrovytsia I as a complex monument of nature and society, taking into account the most important criteria for the organization of the protection regime: the type of object, scientific value, accessibility for visiting and inspection, state of preservation, recommendations for use, etc. The main problems of protection of the Palaeolithic site Ihrovytsia I are related to the fact that: the Palaeolithic site Ihrovytsia I, like some other sites of the Ternopil Palaeolithic group, is not included in the list of cultural heritage monuments; so far no certification of the Palaeolithic site has been carried out, no information stands and signs have been installed; the proper mode of use of the monument, the territory adjacent to it is not established; a zone of protection of the Palaeolithic site as a valuable archaeological territory has not been created, no control of economic activity is carried out, which may negatively affect the state of preservation of the monument. Key words: Palaeolithic site Ihrovytsia I; Ternopil Palaeolithic region; Podillia; morphometric analysis of landforms; geoinformation systems; certification of objects of heritage.

Topographic Thresholds and Soil Preservation along the Southern High Plains Eastern Escarpment, Northwest Texas, USA

The eastern escarpment of the Southern High Plains (USA) is today a semi-arid erosional landscape delineated by canyon breaks and topographic relief. A series of buried soils were identified, described, and sampled at 19 soil profile localities exposed along terraces of the South Fork of the Double Mountain Fork of the Brazos River (South Fork) and two associated tributaries (Spring Creek and Macy 285 drainage). Radiocarbon dating revealed late-Pleistocene to early Holocene (~12,580–9100 14C B.P.), middle-Holocene (~6025–4600 14C B.P.), and late-Holocene (~2000–800 14C B.P.) buried soils. The late-Pleistocene to middle-Holocene soils were preserved only at higher elevations within the upper section of the South Fork and Spring Creek. A topographic position analysis was conducted using GIS to identify and examine the impacts of a soil topographic threshold on the preservation and distribution of buried soils within this geomorphic system. Above the identified ~810 m threshold, lateral migration of channels was constrained. Extensive channel migration below the threshold removed older terraces that were replaced with late-Holocene terraces and associated buried soils. Landscape topography constraints on geomorphic processes and soil formation impacted the preservation of archaeological sites in this semi-arid region.

Subsurface delineation of doline features associated with Pleistocene clay-with-flints deposits in the Chilterns: Implications for British Palaeolithic archaeology

Palaeolithic research in the Chiltern Hills (southern England) is important for our understanding of the Pleistocene occupation of Britain, through its record of primary-context assemblages identified by Worthington G. Smith in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The information available from these sites and surface findspots is limited by the context in which the assemblages were retrieved, but can inform attempts to locate further relevant sites within the region. These previous sites are all focused around doline features that may have acted as semi-permanent ponds or lakes that recurrently or occasionally attracted hominins. Therefore, the present study presents results of a desk-based geographical information system (GIS) analysis, using publicly available national geological datasets, aiming to identify and characterise probable subsurface doline features within the karstic landscape of the Chilterns, with a regional focus on Hyde Heath (Buckinghamshire). Rather than relying exclusively on surface findspot associations, we follow the Unified Palaeolithic Landscape Approach framework in relation to artefact release and preservation to refine which features would be most conducive to in situ primary preservation of hominin activity and behaviour. This also has implications for landscape management policy and preservation of archaeological sites in the region.

Reconstructing the precontact Late Woodland archaeology of site 20LU115 and the landscape history of Sleeping Bear Point, Great Lakes, USA

A multifaceted, multidisciplinary research strategy was employed to reconstruct the taphonomy and environmental history of a late Holocene coastal archaeological site (20LU115) at Sleeping Bear Point on the northeast coast of Lake Michigan, USA. Our case study shows how interdisciplinary examination of coastal processes that impact archaeological site preservation and destruction can beneficially integrate human settlement into an evolving landscape. We contextualize coastal site taphonomy into an environmental framework that includes changing Lake Michigan lake levels and coastlines, vegetation regimes, and eolian activation and stabilization cycles during the past 2,000 years. Chronology for this framework derives from 10 radiocarbon and 12 optically stimulated luminescence dates from beach ridges, dunes, paleosols, and human occupation horizons at or near the site. Such research outcomes, however, are not possible without focusing on the site as part of a larger landscape history, and could not have been realized without a multidisciplinary design that integrates geologists, physical geographers, environmental archaeologists, and cultural resources managers.

Effects of hurricanes, mudslides, flooding, and riverine erosion on the erasure of archaeological sites in tropical, highland Honduras

AbstractSite destruction and obfuscation are significant processes that hinder archaeological interpretations. This article focuses on a few natural taphonomic agencies impinging on archaeological site preservation in highland Central American settings. Precipitation and drainage are especially crucial in these riverine environments. Access to water for consumption and agriculture were vital factors in the determination of settlement patterns. Over time, a mixture of both gradual and catastrophic processes ranging from moderate rainstorms to hurricanes are known to trigger flooding, riverine erosion, and landslides with the potential to destroy or obscure vulnerable valley sites. Examples are given of Classic Period (A.D. 200–900) archaeological sites from the Cucuyagua and Sensenti valleys in western Honduras affected by catastrophic weather events during occupation and after site abandonment. Mudslides and landslides, in particular, are highlighted as significant destructive processes that remain under‐discussed in regional literature. Furthermore, we highlight the possible causal role of hurricanes in provoking both landslides and flooding. Finally, we consider the impact of these events in our particular study area.