AN ARCHAEOCLIMATIC MODEL AND EXPLORATORY POLLEN AND PHYTOLITH ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES FROM SITE 23LE327, AVENUE OF THE SAINTS, MISSOURI

Five combination pollen and phytolith samples were examined from depths between 97 and 149 cmbud at site 23LE327, situated on an alluvial/colluvial fan along the Mississippi River. Samples were collected from a cultural zone at the site that probably represents occupation no older than approximately 4,500 BP. This preliminary analysis was undertaken to assess whether or not pollen and phytoliths were preserved in sufficient quantity and quality to recommend full stratigraphic analysis for the purpose of examining the paleoenvironment. In addition, an archaeoclimatic model was constructed for this general area that examines modeled climatic parameters for the past 14,000 years in the area.