Workshop 1: Soil Basics for Archaeology

Instructors: Daniel Wagner (Geo-Sci Consultants LLC) and Joseph E. Clemens (WSP USA, Inc.) Date/Time: Thurs., March 9, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Soils are the matrix within which nearly all buried archaeological materials are contained. Characterizing the fundamental properties of a soil can therefore provide contextual clarity for important site factors such as suitability for occupation, relative timeframe, and potential for artifact movement. Similarly, the intimate relationships between soils and landforms have much to say about site histories, especially in the stratified sequences of alluvial landscapes, some Coastal Plain sediments, or other transported deposits. This workshop is intended to provide instruction for basic techniques in the field description of soil profiles, with a primary focus on soil textural classes and proper usage of Munsell color charts. Standard USDA soil nomenclature will also be addressed with respect to the archaeological implications that arise from designations of horizon and soil parent material types. Contact Dan Wagner with questions (danwagner.soil@gmail.com).