Natural processes

Definition

Natural processes refer to the various physical and environmental phenomena that shape the Earth and its landscapes over time, including erosion, sedimentation, weathering, and biological activity. These processes play a critical role in site identification and survey techniques by influencing the preservation, exposure, and transformation of archaeological sites and artifacts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural processes can lead to both the destruction and preservation of archaeological sites, making them a double-edged sword in archaeology.
2. Factors like climate change can significantly influence natural processes, resulting in accelerated erosion or changes in vegetation that may expose or obscure sites.
3. Understanding natural processes is essential for archaeologists when planning surveys because it helps them predict where artifacts might be found or hidden.
4. Natural processes can impact the stratigraphy of an archaeological site, creating layers that can be analyzed to understand historical contexts.
5. Natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes can drastically alter landscapes and uncover previously hidden archaeological resources.

Review Questions

• How do natural processes influence the identification of archaeological sites during surveys?
  • Natural processes significantly influence site identification by altering landscapes through erosion, sedimentation, and other environmental factors. For instance, erosion can reveal artifacts that were once buried while sedimentation might bury them deeper. By understanding these processes, archaeologists can anticipate where sites might be located or how they may have changed over time.
• In what ways can climate change affect natural processes related to archaeological site preservation?
  • Climate change can intensify natural processes like erosion and sedimentation, leading to increased risk for archaeological site preservation. For example, rising sea levels may cause coastal erosion, threatening sites along the shore. Additionally, changes in precipitation patterns can affect soil stability and vegetation cover, which are crucial for maintaining the integrity of archaeological remains.
• Evaluate the significance of understanding natural processes when interpreting stratigraphy at archaeological sites.
  • Understanding natural processes is vital for interpreting stratigraphy because it helps archaeologists discern between layers created by human activity versus those formed by environmental factors. Natural processes such as bioturbation or sedimentation can complicate layer formation. By analyzing these layers with knowledge of natural processes, archaeologists gain insights into historical timelines and human interactions with their environment.

Related terms

Erosion: The process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface and transported to another location, often impacting the visibility and preservation of archaeological sites.

Sedimentation: The accumulation of sediments over time, which can bury artifacts or structures, making them harder to locate but also preserving them for future study.

Bioturbation: The disturbance of soil or sediment by living organisms, which can alter the context of archaeological deposits and affect how sites are identified.