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Ongoing Research

Studies employ analyses of chemical and grain-size characteristics to answer questions about site configuration and settlement patterns, environmental changes such as sea level rise, and post-depositional alterations in site structure. Chemical analyses include determination of pH, organic carbon and total phosphorus content, and content of acid-extracted elements such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, aluminum, copper, and zinc. Particle-size distribution analysis is used to quantify changes in soil texture. Soil morphological descriptions include horizon arrangement, thickness, and boundaries; color, texture, structure, and inclusions such as roots, artifacts, and animal burrows. All of these data are used to compare anthropogenic deposits with native (non-human-influenced) soils to determine site boundaries and interpret site use.

Previous Research
  • The landforms and architectural features at the Pineland site in southwest Florida.
  • Early site environment at Seminole Rest on Mosquito Lagoon in Volusia Co., Florida.
  • Depositional environments of a number of deep-sand sites in central Florida.
  • Sediments from the Aucilla River (in cooperation with the Vertebrate Paleontology program at FLMNH).
  • Spatial relationship between lithics workshops and household areas of inland Archaic sites.
  • Evaluation of site disturbance and evidence of habitation in a cave environment, Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands.