Chapter 3 Flashcards
archaeological site
any place where material evidence exist about human past. Usually, “site” refers to a concentration of such evidence. Found by accident, hard work, or luck.
statistical sampling
the principles that underlie sampling strategies that provide accurate measures of a statistical population.
statistical population
A set of counts, measurements, or characteristics about which relevant inquiries are to be made. Scientists use this term “statistical population” in a specialized way (quite different from “population” in the ordinary sense).
sample universe
the region that contains the statistical population and that will be sampled. Its size and shape are determined by the research question and practical considerations.
random sample
a sample drawn from a statistical population such that every member of the population has an equal chance of being included in the sample
sample fraction
the percentage of the sample universe that is surveyed.Areas with a lot of variability in archaeological remains require larger sample fractions than do areas of low variability.
sample units
survey units of a standard site and shape, determined by, the research question and practical considerations, used to obtain the sample
UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator)
a grid system in which north and east coordinates provide a location anywhere in the world, precise to 1 meter.
stratified random sample
a survey universe divided into several sub-universes that are then sampled at potentially different sample fractions.
Smithsonian number
a unique catalog number given to each site; it consists of a number (the states position alphabetically), a letter abbreviation for the county, and the sites’s sequential number within that county.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Handheld devices that use triangulation from radio waves received from satellites to determine one’s current position in terms of either the UTM grid or longitudes and latitudes
Plowzone
the upper portion of a soil profile that has been disturbed by repeated plowing or other agricultural activities.
Shovel-testing
a sample survey method used in regions when rapid soil buildup closures buried archaeological remains; it entails digging shallow, systematic pits across the survey units
Remote sensing
the application of methods that employ some form of electromagnetic energy to detect and measure characteristics of an archaeological target. Ex: Arial photography.
The Proton Magnetometer
a remote sensing technique that measures the strength of magnetism between the earth magnetic core and a sensor controlled by the archaeologist. Magnetic anomalies can indicate the presence of buried walls or features
Soil Resistivity Survey
a remote sensing technique that monitors the electrical resistance of soils in a restricted volume near the surface of an archaeological site; buried walls of features can be detected by changes in the amount of resistance registered by the resistivity meter.
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
a remote sensing technique in which radar pulses directed into the ground reflect back to the surface when they strike features or interfaces within the ground, showing the presence and depth of possible buried features
Geographic Information System
a computer program for storing, retrieving, analyzing, and displaying cartographic data. Ex: Arcview & ArcInfo
3 primary components:
-A powerful computer graphic program used to draw a map
-1 or more external databases that are linked to objects shown on the map
-A set of analytical tools that can graphically interpret or statistically analyze the stored data.
georeferenced
data that are input to a GIS database using a common mapping reference–ex: the UTM grid–so that all data can be spatially analyzed.
landscape archaeology
study of ancient human modification of the environment
thermal infrared multispectral scanning
a remote sensing technique that uses equipment mounted on aircrafts or satellites to measure infrared thermal radiation given off by the ground. Sensitive to diffidence as small as 0.1 degree centigrade, it can locate subsurface structures by tracking how they affect surface thermal radiation.
