Stratigraphy

Definition

Stratigraphy is the branch of geology that studies rock layers (strata) and layering (stratification). It plays a crucial role in archaeology by helping to understand the chronological sequence of human activity and natural events through the layers of soil and artifacts. This method provides insights into the age of finds, their context, and how various layers relate to each other, which is essential for excavating sites, analyzing artifacts, dating events, and understanding geological processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stratigraphy helps archaeologists determine the relative ages of artifacts by analyzing their position within various layers.
2. The principle of superposition states that in an undisturbed sequence, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.
3. Stratigraphic excavation requires meticulous recording of the location and context of artifacts to ensure accurate analysis.
4. Geoarchaeology applies stratigraphic principles to understand past human behaviors in relation to environmental changes.
5. In English colonial settlements, stratigraphic analysis can reveal patterns of habitation, trade, and cultural exchange as communities developed over time.

Review Questions

• How does stratigraphy contribute to our understanding of the chronological sequence in archaeological excavations?
  • Stratigraphy contributes significantly to understanding the chronological sequence in archaeological excavations by allowing archaeologists to interpret the order of layers found at a site. Each layer represents a specific period of time or event, providing insights into how human activities changed over time. By carefully excavating and analyzing these layers, archaeologists can construct a timeline that reflects cultural developments, environmental changes, and the interactions between different groups throughout history.
• Discuss how the principle of superposition is applied in stratigraphy and its importance in dating artifacts.
  • The principle of superposition is fundamental in stratigraphy as it states that in an undisturbed sequence of layers, the oldest strata will be at the bottom while newer layers will be on top. This principle allows archaeologists to establish a relative dating framework for artifacts found within these layers. By understanding where an artifact is located within this sequence, researchers can make informed conclusions about its age and its relation to other finds at the site.
• Evaluate the significance of stratigraphic analysis in interpreting English colonial settlements and their development over time.
  • Stratigraphic analysis plays a vital role in interpreting English colonial settlements by providing a structured way to analyze how these communities evolved over time. By examining different strata associated with various activities such as construction, trade, and domestic life, researchers can piece together a narrative about social organization, economic interactions, and cultural practices within these settlements. This approach not only helps establish a timeline for colonial development but also sheds light on broader themes such as adaptation to new environments and interactions with Indigenous populations.

Related terms

Context: The circumstances surrounding an artifact or feature that provide information about its use, significance, and relationship to other finds.

Chronology: The arrangement of events in their order of occurrence, which is critical for understanding the timeline of human activity through stratigraphy.

Layer Cake Model: A conceptual model in geology and archaeology that illustrates how sedimentary layers accumulate over time, resembling layers of a cake.