LANDSCAPE RECONSTRUCTION AT THE ISLES OF SHOALS: SEDIMENTOLOGY, GEOCHEMISTRY AND TOPOGRAPHY

A well preserved mid to late Holocene archaeological site situated on Smuttynose Island, Isles of Shoals, Maine provides evidence of a culturally constructed anthropogenic deposit. The Smuttynose site is well stratified site with well documented Archaic, Ceramic, and Historic period components. The historic period deposits generally range between 50 and 90 centimeters in depth.

Systematically selected column samples of sediment were utilized for organic context, grain size, x-ray diffraction and x-ray fluorescence analysis. The results are utilized in conjunction with a 1 meter interval topographic mapping to generate a 3D landscape of surface and subsurface deposits and their geological characteristics

The x-ray fluorescence analysis of sediment revealed clear stratigraphic variation in elements such as lead, arsenic, tin, potassium, and calcium. The variation allows us to define occupational activities manufacture, use, and disposal over time during the historic period. Lead amounts above 2,000 ppm reflect activities of bullet and fishing weight manufacture. The geological investigations in conjunction with cultural material provide a rich opportunity to develop models of landscape evolution in culturally occupied areas around the Gulf of Maine.