Solving archaeological problems using techniques of soil magnetism

Abstract

Archaeological investigations into the processes and factors controlling the magnetic enhancement of soils were initiated in the 1960s in conjunction with the application of magnetic prospection surveys. After a highly productive period of research, archaeological interest in soil magnetism experienced a downswing, which has just recently been reversed. Continuing research within the fields of rock magnetism and environmental magnetism has refined our understanding of the processes and products of magnetic enhancement and demonstrated the broad applicability of soil magnetic analyses. Using this information, together with recent archaeological studies, we update archaeologists on the variety of soil magnetic techniques and how they can be utilized to define, detail, and understand archaeological sites, features, and environments. A case study at the Cahokia Mounds Site in southwestern Illinois illustrates how soil magnetic techniques can be interfaced with other methods to understand archaeological landscapes and landscape change. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.