Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

6472

Date

2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Earth Sciences

Concentration

Archaeology

Committee Chair

Andrew Mickelson

Committee Member

Arleen Hill

Committee Member

Daniel Larsen

Abstract

Archaeologists are increasingly integrating multiple survey techniques to reduce errors and biases in attempts to locate archaeological deposits and to gain a better understanding of people's use of space. This study assesses the utility of soil phosphate analysis as an archaeological prospecting tool in western Tennessee through soil analyses at the Ames site (40FY7) in Fayette County, Tennessee. The spatial distribution of available phosphorus and percent loss on ignition are compared to mapped magnetometry data over two areas with confirmed archaeological deposits. The loss on ignition results did not visually correspond with areas of archaeological activity; however, the spatial distribution of available phosphorus corresponds with archaeological activity at Ames. Further post hoc statistical analyses indicate significant differences in phosphorus values between areas with archaeological activity and areas without archaeological activity. This study demonstrates the utility of soil phosphate analysis as a tool for locating archaeological deposits at the Ames site.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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