Archaeological and Paleoanthropological
Archaeologists excavate sites that show evidence of biological and cultural remains. They work with artifacts that are part of past settlements material culture. These artifacts were created by someone therefore representing beliefs and human culture.
Fossils are a form or impression of an organism that has become preserved in the earths crust from the past.
How are fossils formed?
- Upon death, an organism can be quickly consumed by scavengers; while bacteria quickly decomposes tissues.
- An organism has to be covered by substance quickly after death.
- Those materials surround the organisms body causing the physical remains to harden.
- The internal cavities of bones and teeth fill with mineral deposits and sediment.
- The external walls of the bone decay and become replaced with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or silica (O2Si ).
Sites
Artifacts can be found around places of human activity. Sites range from a localized area to under water.
Some types of sites identified are:
- hunting campsites
- village sites
- cemeteries
Most sites are found with both skeletal and cultural remains, but those dating back before 2.5 million years ago you will only find physical remains without any cultural.
Sites Discovery. Where to dig?
Maps and geographic data of areas allow researchers to plot the sites availability for excavation.
Survey’s of the ground can be made.
Aerial photography and satellite mapping as well as ground penetrating radar (GPR)
Visibility of Sites
In open areas sites can be visible by mounds, soil marks or strains by recently plowed fields. In forests the vegetation changes in areas where archaeology can be found. Soil erosion and drought can also reveal archaeology. In the picture below coastal erosion has played a significant role in exposing shellfish (Ostrea percrassa).
Analysis of an Excavation
Dating Method
