Dolores Archaeological Program Technical Reports, DAP-020: Magnetometer Results

As part of Dolores Cultural Resources Mitigation Program Field Operations in 1978, a magnetometer survey test program was implemented to determine the efficacy of such methods in facilitating excavation strategies. The program was begun on 12 September 1978 and was continued until late October . A total of 46 20 by 20m blocks at 14 prehistoric sites was surveyed and the result ant data sent to the University of Nebraska for analysis and interpretation. By the report submission date (May 1979) 90 percent of the data had been processed; the remainder was completed in the summer of 1979 and the results were added to the manuscript. Magnetic anomalies recorded at prehistoric sites in the program area appear to reflect several primary sources: prehistoric cultural architecture or features, geological features, and modern ferrous artifacts (nails, cans , etc.). By considering the characteristics of each individual anomaly, it is usually possible to make a preliminary interpretation regarding the source and the potential for recovering archaeological data. Interpretations of magnetic maps for all of the 14 prehistoric sites examined in 1978 are presented and recommendations are made for future testing of promising anomalies by excavation.