Date of Award

Spring 8-1-2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Geography, Geology, and Anthropology

First Advisor

C. Russell Stafford

Second Advisor

James Speer

Third Advisor

Gregory Bierly

Abstract

This study examines a paleolandscape model that focuses on alluvial landforms that date to the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene in Knob Creek bottom of the lower Ohio River valley. The study tests and refines a landscape model based on geoarchaeological data from the Caesars Archaeological Project. Analysis centers on the relationship between late Wisconsin and early Holocene Landform Sediment Assemblages (LSA), including early paleochannels. For this analysis a series of soil cores was extracted from the LSA understudy and described using standard USDA terminology. Additional analysis included particle size analysis using a hydrometer to determine textural composition of core sediments, magnetic susceptibility of soils, and radiocarbon dating. A more complete picture of the landscape evolution of the lower Ohio River valley results which more accurately predicts the location of archaeological remains on or buried in these alluvial landforms.

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