Post-depositional impact

Definition

Post-depositional impact refers to the processes and changes that affect archaeological materials after they have been deposited in the ground, including both natural and human-induced factors. Understanding these impacts is crucial as they can alter the preservation and interpretation of archaeological sites, influencing how artifacts, ecofacts, and features are viewed by researchers. These changes can result from environmental conditions, human activity, and even biological processes that occur over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Post-depositional impact can include various factors such as soil erosion, chemical reactions, or disturbances caused by animal activity, all of which can affect artifact preservation.
2. Human activities like construction, agriculture, or looting can significantly alter archaeological contexts, leading to misinterpretations of the site.
3. Environmental changes such as climate shifts or natural disasters can also result in substantial modifications to the stratigraphy and composition of archaeological deposits.
4. Understanding post-depositional impacts is essential for accurate dating and contextualizing artifacts within their original deposits.
5. Preservation techniques and methodologies are often adapted to account for potential post-depositional alterations to minimize their effects on archaeological interpretation.

Review Questions

• How do natural processes contribute to post-depositional impacts on archaeological sites?
  • Natural processes like soil erosion, sedimentation, and weathering play a significant role in post-depositional impacts by altering the physical context of archaeological materials. For instance, heavy rainfall can wash away topsoil, leading to the exposure or loss of artifacts. Similarly, plant growth can disturb layers through root expansion. These natural changes can complicate interpretations of site formation and context because they may misrepresent the original conditions under which artifacts were deposited.
• In what ways can human activities exacerbate post-depositional impacts in archaeological research?
  • Human activities such as agriculture, urban development, or illicit excavation can significantly exacerbate post-depositional impacts by disrupting or completely altering archaeological contexts. For example, farming practices may lead to plowing that mixes layers of soil and artifacts from different periods, creating a misleading stratigraphic record. Additionally, construction projects might completely destroy archaeological layers before they can be studied, making it difficult to understand the site's history or cultural significance.
• Evaluate how an awareness of post-depositional impacts can influence archaeological methodology and interpretation.
  • An awareness of post-depositional impacts allows archaeologists to develop more effective methodologies that take into account potential alterations in artifact preservation and stratigraphy. By applying techniques such as careful stratigraphic excavation and using scientific dating methods, researchers can mitigate the challenges posed by these impacts. This understanding leads to better interpretations as it helps archaeologists reconstruct past human behaviors more accurately by recognizing how various influences may have changed the original context of their findings.

Related terms

Site Formation Processes:

The combination of natural and cultural activities that lead to the creation, alteration, and eventual preservation of archaeological sites.

Stratigraphy:

The study of rock layers (strata) and layering (stratification) which helps in understanding the chronological sequence of events in an archaeological site.

Taphonomy: The branch of paleontology that deals with the processes of decay, preservation, and fossilization of organisms, providing insights into post-depositional impacts.