Chapter 3 Terminology

Question 1

Archaeological Site

Answer 1

Any place where material evidence exists about the human past. Usually “site” refers to a concentration of such evidence.

Question 2

Deflation

Answer 2

A geologic process whereby fine sediment is blown away by the wind and larger items - including artifacts - are lowered onto a common surface and thus become recognizable sites.

Question 3

Geographic Information System (GIS)

Answer 3

A computer program for storing retrieving, analyzing and displaying cartographic data.

Question 4

Georeferenced

Answer 4

Data that input to a GIS database using a common mapping reference - for example, the UTM grid - so that all data can be spatially analyzed.

Question 5

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Answer 5

Hand-held devices that use triangulation from radio waves received from satellites to determine your current position of either the UTM grid or latitude and longitude.

Question 6

Ground-penetrating system (GPR)

Answer 6

A remote sensing technique in which radar pulses directed into the ground reflect back to the surface when they strike features or interfaces within the ground, showing the presence and the depth of possible buried features.

Question 7

Landscape Arhaeology

Answer 7

The study of ancient human modification of the environment

Question 8

Mano

Answer 8

A first-sized, round, flat, hand-held stone used with a metate for grinding foods.

Question 9

Metate

Answer 9

A large, flat stone used as a stationery surface upon which seeds, tubers, and nuts are ground with a mano.

Question 10

Non-site Achaeology

Answer 10

Analysis of archaeological patterns manifested on a scale of kilometers or hectares, rather than of patterns within a single site.

Question 11

Plow (άροτρο) zone

Answer 11

The upper portion of a soil profile that has been disturbed by repeated plowing or other agricultural activity.

Question 12

Projectile (βλήμα) points

Answer 12

Arrowheads, dart points, or spare points.

Question 13

Proton procession magnometer

Answer 13

A remote sensing technique that measures the strength of magnetism between the earth’s magnetic core and a censor controlled by the archaeologist. Magnetic anomalies can indicate the presence of buried walls or features.

Question 14

Random Sample

Answer 14

A sample drawn from a statical population such that every member of the population has an equal chance of being included in the sample.

Question 15

Remote Sensing

Answer 15

The application of methods that employ some of electromagnetic energy to detect and measure characteristics of an archaeological target.

Question 16

Sample Fraction

Answer 16

The percentage of the sample universe that is surveyed. Areas with a lot of variability in archaeological remains require larger sample fractions than do areas of low variability.

Question 17

Sample Units

Answer 17

Survey units of a standard size and shape, determined by the research question and practical considerations, used to obtain the sample.

Question 18

Sample Universe

Answer 18

The region that contains the statistical population and that will be sampled. Its size and shape are determined by the research question and practical considerations.

Question 19

Seasonal Round

Answer 19

Hunter-gatherers’ patterns of movement between different places on the landscape timed to the seasonal availability of food and other resources.

Question 20

Settlement Pattern

Answer 20

The distribution of archaeological sites across a region.

Question 21

Settlement System

Answer 21

The movements and activities reconstructed from a settlement pattern.

Question 22

Shovel-testing

Answer 22

A sample survey method used in regions where rapid soil buildup obscures buried archaeological remains; it entails digging shallow, systematic pits across the survey unit.

Question 23

Smithsonian Number

Answer 23

A unique catalog number given to sites; it consists of a number (the state’s position alphabetically), a letter abbreviation of the country, systematic pits across the survey unit.

Question 24

Soil resistivity survey

Answer 24

A remote sensing technique that monitors the electrical resistance of soils in a restricted volume near the surface of an archaeological site; changes in the amount of resistance registered by the resistivity meter can indicate buried walls or features.

Question 25

Statistical Population

Answer 25

A set of count, measurements, or characteristics about which relevant inquiries are to be mad. Scientists use the term “statistical population” in a specialized way (quite different from “population” in the ordinary sense).

Question 26

Statistical Sampling

Answer 26

The principles that underlie sampling strategies that provide accurate measures of a statistical population.

Question 27

Stratified Random Sample

Answer 27

A survey universe divided into several sub-universes that are then sampled at potentially different sample fractions.

Question 28

Systematic Regional Survey

Answer 28

A set of strategies for arriving at accurate descriptions of range of the archaeological material across a landscape.

Question 29

Thermal Infrared (υπέρυθρες) Multispectral Scanner (TIMS)

Answer 29

A remote sensing technique that uses equipment mounted in aircraft or satellite to measure infrared thermal radiation given off by the ground. Sensitive to differences as little as 0.1 degree centigrade, it can locate subsurface structures by tracking how they affect surface thermal radiation.

Question 30

UTM

Answer 30

Universal Transverse Mercator, a grid system whereby north and east coordinates provide a location anywhere in the world, precise to 1 meter.

Question 31

Wickinup

Answer 31

A conical structure made of poles or logs laid against one another that served as fall and winter homes among the prehistoric Shoshone and Paiute.