key term - Stratigraphic integrity

Definition

Stratigraphic integrity refers to the preservation and accurate representation of layers of sediments or deposits in an archaeological site, allowing for reliable interpretations of the chronological sequence of human activity and natural processes. Maintaining this integrity is essential for understanding how various cultural and natural site formation processes interact over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stratigraphic integrity is crucial for accurately dating artifacts and understanding the sequence of human occupation at a site.
2. Disturbances such as erosion, construction, or bioturbation can compromise stratigraphic integrity, leading to difficulties in interpretation.
3. Maintaining stratigraphic integrity often involves careful excavation techniques to avoid mixing layers and losing contextual information.
4. Archaeologists utilize stratigraphic profiles to visualize and document the layering of materials, which aids in analyzing the site's history.
5. The loss of stratigraphic integrity can result in misleading conclusions about cultural practices, technological changes, or environmental conditions at the time of deposition.

Review Questions

• How does stratigraphic integrity affect the interpretation of archaeological sites?
  • Stratigraphic integrity directly impacts how archaeologists interpret the sequence of events at a site. When layers are preserved accurately, it allows for reliable dating of artifacts and a clearer understanding of cultural practices over time. Conversely, if layers are disturbed or mixed, it becomes challenging to ascertain the correct context, leading to potentially erroneous conclusions about the past.
• What methods can be used to ensure stratigraphic integrity during excavation?
  • To ensure stratigraphic integrity during excavation, archaeologists can employ methods such as careful layer-by-layer removal of sediments, using tools like trowels for precision. Documenting each layer meticulously through photographs, drawings, and notes also helps preserve the site's context. Additionally, avoiding mechanical equipment that could disturb the layers is crucial for maintaining the site's stratification.
• Evaluate the implications of compromised stratigraphic integrity on our understanding of past human activities.
  • When stratigraphic integrity is compromised, it poses significant challenges to our understanding of past human activities. The mixing of layers can obscure the chronological relationships between different artifacts and features, resulting in misinterpretations of cultural development or technological advancements. This can lead to a fragmented view of history where critical connections are lost, ultimately impacting how we reconstruct and comprehend human interactions with their environments across different periods.

Related terms

Stratigraphy:

The study of rock layers (strata) and layering (stratification), which helps archaeologists understand the chronological sequence of deposits at a site.

Context: The relationship between artifacts, features, and other elements at a site, including their position in the stratigraphy, which is crucial for interpreting their significance.

Taphonomy: The study of how organisms decay and become fossilized, including the processes that affect the preservation of biological remains in archaeological contexts.