Tracking the Human Landscape of the Pleistocene Great Salt Lake Desert A Report on Ancient Footprints and an Updated Geoarchaeological Probability Model for Cultural Resources on the US Air Force Utah Test and Training Range

Summary

This study updates the existing UTTR geoarchaeological probability model and maps to account for new information about the sensitivity for subsurface archaeology on the playa surface of UTTR-S. The existing model (Young 2008) remains valid but for this improvement, but new GIS shapefiles serve as full replacements of those made previously. The purpose of the study is to adjust for buried sites on the open playa from the terminal Pleistocene human record, which is important at a national scale. This record has been an ongoing management priority, and efforts since that time have highlighted the need for further work to define its geomorphic context and thereby restrict the areas of concern to mission-related activities on UTTR. The finding of human footprints during fieldwork necessitated further study to integrate them into the updated model. They also require full reporting and evaluation of National Register significance. The two sites—Trackway (42TO7676) and Trackway II (42TO7802)—date to between approximately 12,700 and 11,900 cal BP and represent the first such sites recorded in the Great Basin. They are recommended as eligible for inclusion on the National Register under Criteria A and D for their significance to living descendants from resident Tribes and scientific value, respectively.

Keywords

Temporal Coverage

Radiocarbon Date: 12700 to 11900

Individual & Institutional Roles

Prepared By(s): Far Western Anthropological Research Group Inc.

Submitted To(s): Argonne National Laboratory; Hill AFB

Record Identifiers

Far Western Report Number(s): 3211