Radiocarbon Dating of Prehistoric Red Abalone Midden Deposits

The objective of the research is to refine the chronology of occupation at prehistoric sites on Santa Cruz Island with midden deposits containing abundant red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) shells. Fifteen sites in the western sector of the island will be visited. Shells for radiocarbon dating will be collected from the base and top of midden deposits at each site. Because all of the deposits are exposed by seacliff or gully erosion, no excavation will be necessary. Currently available radiocarbon dates from red abalone middens indicate that they were formed sometime between 6300 and 5300 years ago, but it is yet unclear whether the majority were formed during a narrower interval or intervals of time withing this 1000-yr span. The chronological data to be obtained in the course of this project will help in clarifying this issue.