Geophysical Survey as an Approach to the Ephemeral Campsite Problem: Case Studies from the Northern Plains
Geoffrey Jones, Gene Munson · Plains Anthropologist · 2005
Temporary campsites and indeterminate artifact scatters are a perennial problem in archaeology. Features and artifacts are few, often scattered across an extensive area and representing considerable time depth. Meaningful and cost-effective data recovery is difficult using conventional methods. Integrated with more traditional methods, geophysical methods have proven to be an effective approach on many sites on the northwestern Great Plains. Hearths, stone rings, and other features can be detected and mapped, allowing researchers to target areas for excavation and understand intra-site patterning.