Why we have to dig for artifacts.

  • Thread starter Thrafgig
  • Start date
In summary: The glaciers left behind a layer of till which was gradually eroded by wind, water, and ice. As the till was exposed to the elements, it became covered in soil, leaving behind archeological sites.
  • #1
Thrafgig
5
0
A previous poster asked why we always to have to dig down into the planet to find the past and never did get his question answered.

If "Whatever it is" stays on the surface it goes away because of erosion. If "whatever it is" got buried it is protected from the elements and thus, preserved, for us to dig up.

The planet is not expanding, the surface just gets moved around a lot by what goes on up top (and underneath for that matter).
 
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  • #2
The burying is not random. People tend to bring things to the places where they live, and over time the ground is raised because of the accumulation of centuries of discarded garbage, construction material, etc. Remember that garbage trucks are a relatively recent invention. Archaeologists call the area of built up land in places where people have lived a 'tell':

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tell
 
  • #3
Thanks Phyzguy!

Answers the question "Why the heck do we find so many graves". Because we buried it in the first place.
 
  • #4
Thrafgig said:
A previous poster asked why we always to have to dig down into the planet to find the past and never did get his question answered.

Actually, quite a few artifacts are found right on the surface. Almost all of these were buried at one time or another, and erosion has exposed them. Many of our finest archeological sites were first brought to the attention of scholars by the chance finding of a surface artifact.
 
  • #5
At a certain excavation site, it was found that the particular region had around 3 civilizations one over the other, but since the difference between each civilization was between 2000 to 5000 years, thus there wasn't a single finding which showed any influence of first on the second or the second on the third. The Great Canyons have the answer to how much of the land mass could be buried. The Great Canyon was once a uniform landmass with rivers rushing around with its tributaries. It is the river which had cut the land into what we have today's Great Canyons. So it could mean that rivers from the top would erode tonnes of soil and sediment all the way down. So we have to excavate to find historical data and artifacts.
 
  • #6
Mostly due to erosion and weathering of mountains; for example, the Appalachins used to be higher than the Rockies. This weathering is still going on and deposited on the Earth's surface.

Also, artifacts found on the surface lack the archeological context as compared to one found in stratified soil.

Furthermore, in the Arctic the paleoeskimo sites near beaches get older with higher elevations and further from the current beach because of the post-glacial rebounce.

Therefore, where you artifacts is mostly based on previous geological
 
  • #7
Mostly due to erosion and weathering of mountains; for example, the Appalachins used to be higher than the Rockies. This weathering is still going on and deposited on the Earth's surface.

Also, artifacts found on the surface lack the archeological context as compared to one found in stratified soil.

Furthermore, in the Arctic the paleoeskimo sites near beaches get older with higher elevations and further from the current beach because of the post-glacial rebounce.

Therefore, where you artifacts is mostly based on previous geological activities in the area.
 
  • #8
When the glaciers receded after the last ice age the land being held down by their weight often rose. This pattern is also evident in northern europe.
 

1. Why do we have to dig for artifacts?

We have to dig for artifacts because they are buried deep below the surface of the earth. Over time, natural processes like erosion, sedimentation, and geological events can cover up and bury artifacts.

2. How do we know where to dig for artifacts?

Archaeologists use a variety of methods to determine where to dig for artifacts. This includes historical research, studying maps and aerial images, and conducting surveys to identify potential sites. They also use ground-penetrating radar and other remote sensing techniques to locate buried artifacts.

3. Why is it important to dig carefully when searching for artifacts?

Digging carefully is crucial because artifacts are delicate and can be easily damaged or destroyed. Archaeologists use specialized tools and techniques to carefully excavate artifacts and preserve them for further study. They also document the exact location and context of each artifact to better understand its significance.

4. How do we date artifacts that are found during a dig?

There are several methods for dating artifacts, including radiocarbon dating, dendrochronology (tree-ring dating), and thermoluminescence dating. These methods use the properties of different materials, such as carbon or tree rings, to determine the age of the artifact.

5. What can we learn from the artifacts we find during a dig?

Artifacts can provide valuable information about past cultures, societies, and behaviors. They can also give insights into technology, trade, and economic systems. By studying artifacts, we can better understand the past and how it has influenced and shaped our present.

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