Stratigraphy

Definition

Stratigraphy is the branch of geology concerned with the arrangement and organization of sedimentary rocks and soil layers, which is essential in understanding the chronological sequence of past events. This concept is crucial in archaeology as it helps establish a timeline for artifacts and features found within different layers, offering insights into cultural and environmental changes over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stratigraphy relies on the principle of superposition, which states that in undisturbed sedimentary sequences, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.
2. The context provided by stratigraphy allows archaeologists to understand how artifacts were used over time, revealing patterns of human behavior and environmental changes.
3. Different layers can indicate different time periods, cultures, or events, making stratigraphic analysis a powerful tool for reconstructing historical narratives.
4. Disturbances such as natural disasters or human activities can affect stratigraphic layers, making it essential to carefully document these disruptions during excavation.
5. Stratigraphic columns are often created to visually represent the sequence of layers found at a site, aiding in the interpretation of archaeological findings.

Review Questions

• How does the principle of superposition contribute to our understanding of the chronological sequence in archaeological sites?
  • The principle of superposition is fundamental to stratigraphy as it helps establish the order of sedimentary layers. In an undisturbed context, this principle indicates that lower layers are older than those above them. By applying this principle, archaeologists can determine the relative ages of artifacts and features found within each layer, allowing them to piece together a timeline of cultural and environmental developments at a site.
• Discuss how stratigraphic analysis enhances the interpretation of archaeological findings at excavation sites.
  • Stratigraphic analysis enhances archaeological interpretation by providing context for artifacts found within different layers. By studying how these layers relate to one another, archaeologists can identify changes in human activity and environmental conditions over time. This understanding helps reconstruct historical narratives, illustrating how societies evolved or adapted to their surroundings based on evidence uncovered in the stratification.
• Evaluate the impact of disturbances on stratigraphic layers during excavation and how this affects archaeological interpretations.
  • Disturbances such as natural disasters, construction activities, or even previous excavations can significantly impact stratigraphic layers. These disruptions can mix layers, obscure relationships between artifacts, or lead to misinterpretation of chronological sequences. Evaluating these disturbances is crucial for archaeologists to accurately assess site integrity and ensure that interpretations reflect true historical contexts rather than artifacts' misleading placements caused by modern interference.

Related terms

Lithostratigraphy: A method of stratigraphy that focuses on the physical and petrographic characteristics of rock layers, helping to identify and correlate strata.

Biostratigraphy: A dating method that uses fossilized remains within sedimentary layers to establish relative ages and correlations between different geological formations.

Chronostratigraphy: The branch of stratigraphy that deals with the age of rock strata and their temporal relationships, providing a framework for understanding geological time.