Geoarchaeology and Archaeological Site Patterning on the Middle Gila River, Arizona

Summary

Archaeologists reconstruct settlement patterns from the spatial distribution of archaeological sites, features, and ar­tifacts that are found as part of a modern physical landscape. This physical landscape is made up of active and inactive landforms. In order to accurately interpret archae­ological survey data, it is important to understand the types and origins of the landforms on which these cultural re­mains occur (Barton et al. 1999, 2002; Butzer 1982; Bet­tis and Mandel 2002; Waters and Kuehn 1996). The con­struction of a geomorphic map (fig. 2) showing the dis­tribution of landforms across the modern landscape (f i g . 3) and an understanding of the geological processes that led to their formation is vital for interpreting and reconstructing settlement patterns (Wandsnider 1992; Wells 2001; Zvelebil, Green, and Macklin 1992). When archaeological survey data are added to a geomorphic map, a powerful explanatory and management tool is available to the archaeologist.

Here we discuss geomorphic maps and their application to archaeological interpretation. This is followed by a dis­cussion of how geomorphic mapping of the Gila River In­dian Reservation in south-central Arizona has been used to address questions of archaeological site visibility, preserva­tion, and spatial patterning across the landscape over time.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Salt River Project Digital Library

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Salt River Project Cultural Resource Manager

Repository(s): Salt River Project, Tempe, AZ

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