EXAMINING THE DEVELOPMENT OF LANDSCAPE AT THE MSUM REGIONAL SCIENCE CENTER (NORTHWESTERN MINNESOTA) THROUGH SEDIMENT ANALYSIS AND CORRELATION OF LOCAL BURIED SOIL HORIZONS

This is part of an interdisciplinary project to study the influence landscape evolution has played on the occupation and activities of indigenous people in the area now occupied by the MSUM Regional Science Center (“RSC”). Correlation of buried soil horizons is being determined through analysis of core samples and excavated profiles, along with OSL (optically stimulated luminescence) dating of the horizon. Work on previous sites at the RSC has uncovered a buried soil horizon at multiple locations, with one site having been dated using OSL techniques to 8,340 years B.P.. Previously, additional archaeological sites have been excavated which also included a buried soil horizon. The site involved in the current study is located along a river cut on the bank of the Buffalo River. Core samples taken in close proximity to this site are currently being analyzed and used to determine correlation of the study horizon to previous work. The preservation of remnant topography appears to play a role in the study horizon. These methods may aid in the discovery of new archaeological site as well as provide new insights about the relationship between ancient indigenous peoples and their environment.