Archaeo-geophysical survey on the Ushpitun landform, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador
This thesis presents the results from a geophysical survey undertaken on the Ushpitun landform, an area of Intermediate period Amerindian occupation This archaeo-geophysical survey intends to test the efficacy of using magnetometry, ground penetrating radar, and magnetic susceptibility/conductivity...
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
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Memorial University of Newfoundland
2019
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| Online Access: | https://research.library.mun.ca/14045/ https://research.library.mun.ca/14045/1/thesis.pdf |
| Summary: | This thesis presents the results from a geophysical survey undertaken on the Ushpitun landform, an area of Intermediate period Amerindian occupation This archaeo-geophysical survey intends to test the efficacy of using magnetometry, ground penetrating radar, and magnetic susceptibility/conductivity to locate features on the landform. Additionally, the effectiveness and efficiency of geophysical survey methods will be compared to past non-geophysical methods. The results of this project conclude that magnetometry is the best means of locating features, though this is couched in the failure of the magnetic susceptibility/conductivity instrument and the inability of the ground penetrating radar to identify any near-surface features. Charcoal recovered from three combustion features was analyzed and calibrated radiocarbon dates offer a challenge to previous relative sea level dating in the area. An analysis of surface collected lithic materials supports Neilsen’s (2006) assertion that the landform was likely a limited procurement camp and not a long-term habitation site. |
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