Interpreting Prehistoric Patterns: Site Catchment Analysis in the Upper Trinity River Basin of North Central Texas

Archaeologically site catchment analysis produces valuable information regarding prehistoric subsistence strategies and social organization. Incorporating archaeological data into catchment analyses is an effective strategy to develop regional models of prehistoric site selection and settlement patterns. Digital access to data permits the incorporation of multiple layers of information into the process of synthesizing regional archaeology and interpreting corresponding spatial patterning. GIS software provides a means to integrate digital environmental and archaeological data into an effective tool. Resultant environmental archaeology maps facilitate interpretive analysis. To fulfill the objectives of this thesis, GIS software is employed to construct site catchment areas for archaeological sites and to implement multivariate statistical analyses of physical and biological attributes of catchments in correlation with assemblage data from sites. Guided by ecological, anthropological and geographical theories hypotheses testing evaluates patterns of prehistoric socio-economic behavior. Analytical results are summarized in a model of prehistoric settlement patterns in North Central Texas.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2004

Author dc:creator

• Williams, Marikka Lin

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ferring, C. Reid
• Nagaoka, Lisa
• Acevedo, Miguel F.

• Human settlements -- Texas -- Trinity River Watershed -- History.
• Archaeology and history -- Texas -- Trinity River Watershed.
• social organization
• GIS software
• archaeology
• site catchment analysis

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• Williams, Marikka Lin
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 58810567
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc4678/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc4678

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc4678