Archaeological Site Orientation and Stratigraphy Quiz

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What do thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating methods measure?

The amount of emitted light by electrons in sediment samples

The time elapsed since quartz grains were buried in sediment

The age of quartz grains since they were last exposed to sunlight (correct)

The temperature at which sediment samples were last heated

How do TL and OSL dating methods determine age?

By assessing the color changes in sediment samples

By measuring the radioactive decay of carbon isotopes

By counting the layers in sediment samples

By using standard deviations (correct)

What abbreviation does Olszewski use for the period between 5000 years ago and the start of the AD calendar?

AD

Years ago

BC (correct)

cal BC

Which time scale abbreviations are used to refer to uncalibrated periods of time before 50,000 years?

Years ago and bp Signup and view all the answers

What is stratigraphy?

The study of vertical layers in an archaeological site Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of resetting the calendar by Western scholars at 2000 years ago?

To create a clear distinction between BC/BCE and AD/CE Signup and view all the answers

How are individual strata defined in stratigraphy?

Arbitrarily, as metric levels in the stratigraphic profile Signup and view all the answers

What does the law of superposition state?

Materials in deeper layers tend to be older than those above them Signup and view all the answers

How are archaeological interpretations guided?

By theoretical perspectives Signup and view all the answers

What tools are used for delicate excavation during site taphonomy understanding?

Delicate tools like trowels and small brushes Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of dry or wet screening during excavations?

To recover microfauna and macrobotanical remains Signup and view all the answers

Why are sediment samples sometimes collected during excavation?

For geochemistry analyses to understand site formation processes Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of Ecodynamics?

The interplay between humans and the environment Signup and view all the answers

Which discipline uses the study of living people to understand past patterns in the use of cultural materials?

Ethnoarchaeology Signup and view all the answers

What does Geochemistry involve?

Analyzing the chemical composition of artifacts and bones Signup and view all the answers

What is Gender Archaeology concerned with?

Studying the roles of women, men, and other genders in prehistory Signup and view all the answers

In which specialty do researchers analyze natural taphonomic processes at archaeological sites?

Geoarchaeology Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Ethnography?

Firsthand observation of living people Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended way to approach processual and postprocessual perspectives?

As complementary theoretical perspectives Signup and view all the answers

Who is seen as having an ethical responsibility regarding cultural heritage?

Archaeologists in particular Signup and view all the answers

What is a key challenge to the idea that the past belongs to everyone?

Differences in national and ethnic identities Signup and view all the answers

What is the central goal of indigenous archaeology?

To consult and hear the voices of affected groups Signup and view all the answers

Which theoretical perspectives bridge processual and postprocessual views according to the text?

Ecodynamics and networks and boundaries framework Signup and view all the answers

In what context is the phrase 'Who Owns the Past?' used in the text?

To question the collective ownership of history Signup and view all the answers

What does paleomagnetism use to determine the age of a site?

Reversals in the Earth's magnetic pole Signup and view all the answers

How does past exposure to sunlight affect quartz grains in dating techniques?

It resets the accumulated light to zero Signup and view all the answers

What is paleoenvironment primarily concerned with?

Understanding past environments and habitats Signup and view all the answers

How is palynology used in scientific studies?

To study plant pollen and understand past environments Signup and view all the answers

At what age range is paleomagnetism particularly useful for dating sites?

780,000 years and older Signup and view all the answers

What does accumulated light in sediment grains represent?

Time since last exposure to sunlight Signup and view all the answers