3D Modeling Stratigraphy: Utilizing 3D Modeling to Understand Environmental Changes in Cultural Sites.

Summary

This is an abstract from the "Geoarchaeology Within the Context of Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Today (Part Two)" session, at the 90th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

This paper examines the use of 3D modeling within an archaeological site and how this technology can enhance our understanding of the past. Two 1x1 meter units were excavated to an approximate depth of 250 centimeters at a large Southern California coastal cultural site. Unit 01 was placed on a 15% sloping side of a shell midden disturbed by 1950s construction of a reservoir. Unit 02 was positioned towards the end of the sloped midden and was expected to contain a majority of mixed context. Excavations confirmed mixed stratigraphy for Unit 01; however, Unit 02’s excavation revealed clearer stratigraphic levels. Through 3D modeling, archaeologists were able to identify sterile levels and reveal patterns in stratigraphy resulting from both environmental and cultural factors. Further analysis of an exposed cliffside revealed the geomorphic history of the area and helped create a more accurate representation and understanding of the past.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 90th Annual Meeting, Denver, CO (2025)   •
• Geoarchaeology Within the Context of Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Today (Part Two)

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 53252