Understanding Formation Processes of Archaeological Sites in Eolian Settings in the Petrified Forest National Park

Summary

Located on the southern edge of the Tusayan Dune Field in northeastern Arizona, the Petrified Forest National Park contains abundant archaeology sites located in dune settings. Past and recent archaeological survey has shown an apparent correlation between archaeological site locations and eroded dune blowouts. It is likely that sites are located in dune settings due to their favorable environmental setting; however, it is not clear if the apparent distribution of visible sites in relation to eroded dunes relates most closely to cultural behaviors, or is more closely tied to exposure through post-depositional dune movement. This study uses spatial analysis of dune landscapes in several study areas to better understand the formation processes of archaeological sites in these dune environments. The relationship between archaeological site location and geomorphic landforms is explored to determine whether there is a significant correlation between site location and areas with dunes or dune blowouts. In addition, statistical analyses are used to explore whether geomorphic patterning is due to behavioral processes or due to natural processes of erosion and deposition. This is a first step in understanding formation processes, distribution, and visibility of sites in eolian settings in the Petrified Forest National Park.

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This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Recent Archaeological Research in Petrified Forest National Park   •
• Society for American Archaeology 80th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2015)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage