Proton Magnetometer Survey of Site 3MS105, Eaker Air Force Base, Arkansas.
Abstract
A proton magnetometer survey was conducted over portions of Site 3MS105, a 75-acre multicomponent prehistoric village site in northeast Arkansas. The magnetometer survey was used as a nondestructive means of locating subsurface archaeological features. Archaeologists conducted an intensive recordation of the site partially concurrent with the magnetometer survey. Surface cultural material included arrow points, ceramics, human skeletal material, faunal remains, shell, and historic glass and metal. Anticipated subsurface cultural materials include cemeteries, houses, very deep middens, and possibly evidence of fortifications (palisade walls, trenches). A metric grid system was established on the site and 20 by 20 m magnetometer survey units were incorporated into the archaeological grid system. The grids were located in areas most likely to contain subsurface cultural deposits, based upon the results of their survey and surface collections. Forty magnetometer grids encompassing 16,000 sq m were magnetically surveyed. These grids were divided into 12 segments for analytical purposes. Analyses of the data identified 84 magnetic anomalies thought to have cultural features as their source, including houses, middens, cemeteries, pit features, fortification trenches, and a mound remmant. Excavation of seven anomalies substantiated the prediction that the selected anomalies are associated with cultural features. (jhd)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 06, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA212988
Entities
People
- Kevin W. Thompson
- Linda Wadleigh