Question 1

List and describe how archaeologists use three different types of remote sensing.

Accepted Answer

Archaeologists use three different types of remote sensing to gather information about archaeological sites without physically disturbing them.

1. Aerial Photography: This involves taking photographs of the ground from an elevated position, such as an airplane or drone. By analyzing these photographs, archaeologists can identify features such as crop marks, soil discolorations, and other subtle signs of buried structures or artifacts.

2. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): LiDAR uses laser technology to create detailed 3D maps of the Earth's surface. This can be especially useful for identifying hidden or overgrown archaeological features, such as ancient roads, walls, and building foundations.

3. Satellite Imaging: Archaeologists can use satellite images to study large areas of land from a distance. By analyzing these images, they can identify potential archaeological sites based on patterns in vegetation, soil, and topography.

Overall, remote sensing allows archaeologists to survey and map archaeological sites more efficiently and non-invasively, providing valuable insights into the past without the need for extensive excavation.

Question 2

Review the entire process of archaeological research. Explain how CRM fits into each step of the process.

Accepted Answer

Archaeological research involves several steps, including survey, excavation, analysis, and interpretation. CRM, or Cultural Resource Management, is a crucial component of this process as it focuses on the preservation and management of cultural resources within the context of development projects.

During the survey phase, CRM professionals play a key role in identifying and assessing potential archaeological sites that may be impacted by proposed development. They conduct field surveys and research to determine the presence of cultural resources and evaluate their significance.

In the excavation phase, CRM experts are involved in the planning and execution of archaeological digs. They ensure that proper protocols are followed to mitigate any potential damage to cultural resources and collect data in a systematic and ethical manner.

In the analysis phase, CRM specialists work alongside archaeologists to process and interpret the data collected during excavation. They may use advanced technologies and methodologies to analyze artifacts, ecofacts, and other archaeological materials, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the site.

Finally, in the interpretation phase, CRM professionals collaborate with archaeologists to assess the significance of the cultural resources and make recommendations for their preservation and management. They may also be involved in public outreach and education efforts to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage.

Overall, CRM is integrated into every step of the archaeological research process, ensuring that cultural resources are identified, protected, and managed in accordance with legal and ethical standards. By incorporating CRM principles, archaeologists can conduct their research in a responsible and sustainable manner, preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.

Question 3

Of the following, which is NOT a stage of archaeological fieldwork?

Accepted Answer

A)   budgeting for research
B)   finding archaeological sites
C)   assessing sites
D)   excavation A

Question 4

Which is the science of controlling and measuring the reliability of information through the theory of probability?

Accepted Answer

A)   archaeology
B)   statistics
C)   mathematics
D)   sampling

Question 5

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are playing a greater role in the field of archaeology. Discuss why.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are playing a...

Question 6

The Cerén Maya village in El Salvador came to light when a bulldozer operator exposed a long-buried house mantled under feet of volcanic ash and completely invisible from the surface. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

A)   field survey.
B)   ground survey.
C)   accidental discovery.
D)   mechanical survey.

Question 7

What technology has revolutionized the storage and display of cartographic data, including archaeological sites?

Accepted Answer

A)   digital mapping
B)   GIS
C)   aerial surveys
D)   surveys from space.

Question 8

In an ideal world, no research project is complete until the final results are

Accepted Answer

A)   distributed.
B)   published.
C)   created.
D)   emailed.

Question 9

During the construction of modern-day Mexico City's subway system, a wealth of archaeological material was unearthed, revealing remains of the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán. In addition to being just one instance of accidental discovery in the area, this is also an example of the archaeological concept of

Accepted Answer

A)   context.
B)   compliance.
C)   superposition.
D)   data analysis.

Question 10

Which is the grandfather of remote sensing technologies, having been around since World War I?

Accepted Answer

A)   remote viewing
B)   remote sensing
C)   sensory archaeology
D)   aerial photography

Question 11

As the catastrophic damage done to the archaeological record has hit crisis proportions, what has become increasingly important?

Accepted Answer

A)   excavation
B)   survey
C)   aerial survey
D)   electrical resistance studies

Question 12

Nonintrusive detection methods include the use of

Accepted Answer

A)   ground-penetrating radar antennae.
B)   magnometers.
C)   metal detectors.
D)   remote-sensing technologies.

Question 13

Today, many archaeologists begin with cheap and readily accessible remote sensing-that is, with

Accepted Answer

A)   remote sensing.
B)   Google Earth.
C)   sidescan radar.
D)   satellite photography.

Question 14

Which is a vital part of site assessment, for representative samples of artifacts from the modern ground surface can provide vital information on the age of the site and the various periods of occupation?

Accepted Answer

A)   controlled excavation
B)   controlled surface survey
C)   controlled surface collection
D)   controlled limited surface excavation

Question 15

In 1981, from space, an imaging radar system was used to bounce radar signals off the surfaces of the world's major deserts to study the history of the earth's aridity; the system also unexpectedly revealed

Accepted Answer

A)   evidence of ancient camel caravans.
B)   oil reserves.
C)   ancient watercourses
D)   large mounds and buildings.

Question 16

Which is the best-known source of aircraft-borne sensor imagery, which senses the terrain on either side of an aircraft's path?

Accepted Answer

A)   sideways-looking airborne radar (SLAR) 
B)   forward infrared looking radar (FLIR) 
C)   ground penetrating radar (GPR) 
D)   infrared pulsing radar (IPR

Question 17

Resistivity surveys use electric current transmitted through what mechanism, that is then planted in the soil to detect subsurface structures like building foundations through their higher resistivity?

Accepted Answer

A)   spikes
B)   electrodes
C)   magnetometers
D)   galvanic sensors

Question 18

Discuss the importance of publication to archaeological research. What is the impact of an unpublished archaeological site that has been excavated? What is the role and the current status of online publishing?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the importance of publication to archaeological...

Question 19

An important part of site assessment is

Accepted Answer

A)   accurate mapping and precise recording of the site.
B)   use of computer-aided mapping methods.
C)   creating flowcharts to monitor the validity of research results.
D)   the study of animal bones and other food remains.

Question 20

Which of the following is a part of the implementation of archaeological research?

Accepted Answer

A)   context
B)   explicit and meaningful research questions
C)   information on how you will analyze your finds and report them
D)   funding and budgeting

Exam 6: They Sought It Here, They Sought It There: the Process of Research and Finding Archaeological Sites