Abstract
| This project evaluated a buried soil at the Ernie Bank site, a Late Woodland occupation
(A.D. 800 --A.D. 1050), in Vernon County Wisconsin. The site was analyzed
for any cultural evidence, and to determine if the soil formed under prairie conditions.
I conducted a particle size analysis, soil pH, total carbon (LOI), and percent
organic carbon analysis to determine if this soil formed under prairie vegetation.
Stratigraphic column, and soil profile samples were examined for micro-artifacts by
screening the samples through a 1/4 inch screen and #10 sieve. By using soil color
and texture I determined the soil horizon sequence as Ab, Bt, Bg. The upper 10 centimeters
of the stratigraphic column represent historic slope wash. The information
from the particle size, soil pH, total carbon (LOI), and percent organic carbon,
shows a stable surface from 100-120centimeters, a period of flood deposition, and
another stable surface at 160 centimeters. A combination of field research and laboratory
analysis indicated that the buried soil containing artifacts was formed under
prairie conditions. |
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