STATUS AND FUTURE OF GEOARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH ON THE PLEISTOCENE-HOLOCENE TRANSITION IN THE COLUMBIA RIVER PLATEAU, WESTERN NORTH AMERICA

Historically, archaeological and geoarchaeological research in the Columbia River Plateau has produced a rich record of human occupation dating to the Pleistocene-Holocene transition. In recent decades, however, geoarchaeological research in the Plateau has lagged behind other areas of North America leaving many important issues unresolved and underexplored. By discussing the current state of geoarchaeological knowledge of the Pleistocene-Holocene transition in the Plateau, a foundation is set for suggesting future directions in research. These directions include strengthening the late Pleistocene-early Holocene radiocarbon chronology, conducting additional and more detailed paleoenvironmental and paleoecological studies in lowland settings, and developing a comprehensive stratigraphic framework for alluvial systems.