Mapping and dating one of the most important early human settlements in eastern North America

Methods

Summary

1. magnetic gradiometry (vertical gradient, cesium sensors) 

2. ground-penetrating radar (GPR)

3. accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS) 14C dating

Challenges

We can anticipate some false positives with our magnetic survey as magnetic material that is unrelated to early human activity may be present in some of the survey areas. This is why ground-truthing (e.g with auguring or test excavation) magnetic anomalies will be crucial, as will dating organic material (e.g. charcoal) associated with any tested anomaly.