Rocks that Roll: Potential Spatial Applications for X-Ray Fluorescence Data

Summary

This poster explores the potential applications of using x-ray fluorescence data to assess site integrity and site formation processes. The subject of the analysis was the fire-modified rock assemblage from the University of Iowa Field School at Woodpecker Cave (13JH202), a Late-Woodland rock shelter. The assemblage was selected because of their ubiquity throughout the site, their likely sourcing from the adjacent limestone cliff face, and association with known cultural horizons. The assemblage was subjected to an XR-F analysis. A principle component analysis was performed on the XR-F data, creating distinct groups based on chemical composition. Using the piece-plotted information, the XR-F data was projected into three-dimensional space. Discrete horizons based on chemical composition were identified. To determine if chemical variability was due to chemical changes through heat treatment or through source material, samples from the different strata of the cliff face were analyzed with the XR-F before and after being subjected to a controlled burn. Through this method, the chemical changes during thermal alteration and the taphonomic history of Woodpecker Cave were better understood.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2016)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage