POLLEN AND PHYTOLITH ANALYSIS AT 48PA2405, A MCKEAN-AGE SITE NEAR CODY, WYOMING

Summary

Stratigraphic samples were collected at 6 cm intervals through deposits of an ancient playa

associated with archaeological site 48PA2405. Four strata were recorded, the lowest representing

an organic mat that probably represents Pleistocene deposits, an organic silty-sand-clay level that

yielded a radiocarbon age of 18,570 ± 170 BP based on organics collected between pollen samples

38 and 42, followed by fine silty sand deposits, and finally soil as the uppermost stratum. Given

the early dates at the base of the record, it is likely that this stratigraphic record is severely

truncated. Pollen and phytolith analyses were conducted on samples from this playa to examine

these proxy data bases for evidence of vegetation at the time these sediments accumulated. The

stratigraphic pollen record is expected to represent both local and regional vegetation, while the

phytolith record should represent grasses growing in the immediate vicinity of the playa, although

some phytoliths are expected to be transported with wind-borne sediments from surrounding areas.

Archaeoclimatic models of the temperature, precipitation, and water supply history for nearby Cody,

Wyoming for the past 14,000 years will be compared with pollen data from this ancient playa.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• PaleoResearch Institute

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