Source Characterization of Western Lake Superior Region Lithics Using Neutron Activation Analysis: A Geoarchaeological Study
1996-08
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Source Characterization of Western Lake Superior Region Lithics Using Neutron Activation Analysis: A Geoarchaeological Study
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1996-08
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Thesis or Dissertation
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Petrographic and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) of seven common lithic materials found in the western Lake Superior region was undertaken to systematically compare their physical and chemical properties. Thin sections from samples of Hixton Silicified Sandstone, Knife Lake Siltstone, Knife River Flint, Biwabik Silica, Gunflint Silica, Jasper Taconite and Kakabeka Chert were examined, and major macroscopic and microscopic properties noted. Petrography, although a rather impractical provenance indicator, was useful for determining the mineralogical and textural differences among the sources. Trace-element data from samples of the seven sources were also evaluated using both predictive and descriptive discriminant analysis procedures. Discriminant function analysis was successful in sourcing the seven lithic types back to their original raw material deposits with an 85% accuracy. These initial findings suggest good discrimination potential with the most overlap occurring among the iron-formation cherts, which include Biwabik Silica, Gunflint Silica, Jasper Taconite and Kakabeka Chert. The resulting classification scheme was then tested by using twelve artifact samples as unknowns for assignment back to their geologic sources. Classification confirmed seven of these were correctly identified by archaeologists, three siltstones were originally misidentified, and two were of unknown origin (i.e. not any of the seven materials in this study). Results illustrate and support the potential use of INAA as a regional provenance tool for archaeologists in northern Minnesota.
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A Thesis submitted to the faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Minnesota by Sheila Marie Lindenberg in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, August 1996.
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