Effects of the end of the Lake Stanley lowstand on submerged landscapes of the Alpena-Amberley Ridge, Lake Huron

Summary

The Alpena-Amberley Ridge in Lake Huron was exposed during the Lake Stanley lowstand between 8 and 10 ka BP and was utilized by prehistoric peoples. After 8 ka BP, water levels rose and the Ridge was inundated. However, the exact timing and localized effects of Ridge submergence is unclear. Understanding the rapidity and nature of the flooding of the Ridge is of utmost importance for identifying areas where submerged archaeological materials are most likely to be preserved. Sediment samples were collected from two different areas on the Ridge where several stone hunting features have been located. These samples were analyzed for particle size, shape and source, organic and carbonate content, microfossils and microdebitage to determine if the inundation of the Ridge may have destroyed or preserved potential archaeological sites. Additional reconstruction of water levels based on isostatic rebound and radiocarbon dates in Lake Huron provide a more detailed timeline as to the complete inundation of the Alpena-Amberley Ridge.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Marine Geoarchaeology   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2014

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): SYM-1,01