Results of Phase I and III Geoarchaeological Studies, Kirtland Air Force Base, Bernalillo County, New Mexico

Summary

The results of these preliminary studies indicate that arroyos in this region were quite dynamic in the Holocene and that this activity resulted in a significant archaeological visibility bias. Rapid sedimentation rates (0.1 to 0.25 inch/year [0.3 to 0.66 m/year]) and thick alluvial fills demonstrate that large volumes of sediment were repeatedly mobilized in brief periods of time in the past. The discovery of several buried Archaic archaeological sites in the arroyo deposits suggests that the lack of known sites in the arroyo valley floors may simply be an artifact of visibility. The identification of Holocene age eolian and alluvial fan deposits suggests that significant portions of the base ( e.g., the upper and lower piedmont) not examined in detail during this study may have significant visibility problems as well. The results of the relatively brief field investigation clearly demonstrate that geologic processes have had a profound influence on the discovery and inventory of archaeological sites in arroyo and some alluvial fan settings and that the dynamic nature of these portions of the landscape should be considered when evaluating their archaeological potential.

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Kirtland Air Force Base CRM Manager

Record Identifiers

TRC Mariah Project No.(s): 01784

Contract No.(s): CX-1200-92-010

File Information