Ground-Penetrating Radar as a Cultural Resource Management Tool for Assessment of Eroding Shell Middens |
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| Authors: | Jacquelynn F Miller Alice R Kelley Joseph T Kelley Daniel F Belknap Arthur E Spiess |
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| Institution: | 1. School of Earth and Climate Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USAjacquelynnfrances@gmail.com;3. School of Earth and Climate Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA;4. Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA;5. Maine Historic Preservation Commission, Augusta, ME, USA |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACTWith an increasing rate of sea level rise inherently linked to climate change, numerous coastal archaeological resources are under threat. In Maine, virtually all 2000+ coastal aboriginal shell middens are eroding. Given limited time and resources, an efficient method for making informed cultural resource management decisions is critical. Herein, we describe a six-step protocol for a minimally invasive and cost-effective ground-penetrating radar delineation of shell midden size and morphology. Benefits of the survey methodology outlined in this study include the efficiency of data collection, the non-destructive aspect of the technique, continuous records of site stratigraphy, and the lower cost as compared to large-scale excavation. Two case studies are presented to illustrate the advantages and challenges associated with this method. |
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| Keywords: | Shell midden ground-penetrating radar cultural resource management sea-level rise geoarchaeology |
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