Middle Columbia River Environmental Archaeology
Document Type
Poster
Campus where you would like to present
Ellensburg
Event Website
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source
Start Date
16-5-2021
End Date
22-5-2021
Keywords
Archaeology, Paleoenvironments, Salmon
Abstract
As part of our Provost and OUR supported research project with Dr. Hackenberger, we have undertaken a focused study of the sediments and stratigraphy of the Wahluke Site (45GR306). This site is situated on a high terrace on the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River. The site was investigated in 1989. We are reevaluating the radiocarbon dating and comparing the natural strata (paleo-floods) with cultural layers. The cultural features and occupation layers include house floors and house fill. Large circular “pithouses” were built partially below ground, and during disuse or abandonment the house “pits” were filled with sediments transported by wind and water. We are obtaining more accurate radiocarbon dates on bone to compare with previous dates from charcoal samples (1300 to 1150 BP, or about A.D. 650). We suspect that these age estimates from charcoal reflect an older wood bias. More precise bone dates for salmon (with a marine carbon correction) pinpoint house occupations. Combined with other studies our results will contribute to models of climate change and the long-term productivity of salmon fisheries.
Recommended Citation
Palmer, Astra and Biggs, Harley, "Middle Columbia River Environmental Archaeology" (2021). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 7.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2021/COTS/7
Department/Program
Anthropology and Museum Studies
Additional Mentoring Department
https://cwu.studentopportunitycenter.com/middle-columbia-river-environmental-archaeology/
Middle Columbia River Environmental Archaeology
Ellensburg
As part of our Provost and OUR supported research project with Dr. Hackenberger, we have undertaken a focused study of the sediments and stratigraphy of the Wahluke Site (45GR306). This site is situated on a high terrace on the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River. The site was investigated in 1989. We are reevaluating the radiocarbon dating and comparing the natural strata (paleo-floods) with cultural layers. The cultural features and occupation layers include house floors and house fill. Large circular “pithouses” were built partially below ground, and during disuse or abandonment the house “pits” were filled with sediments transported by wind and water. We are obtaining more accurate radiocarbon dates on bone to compare with previous dates from charcoal samples (1300 to 1150 BP, or about A.D. 650). We suspect that these age estimates from charcoal reflect an older wood bias. More precise bone dates for salmon (with a marine carbon correction) pinpoint house occupations. Combined with other studies our results will contribute to models of climate change and the long-term productivity of salmon fisheries.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2021/COTS/7
Faculty Mentor(s)
Steven Hackenberger