Topographic
Survey
———————————————— |
|
|
Using multiple lines of
evidence enables researchers to draw conclusions
about the Hopeton site and the processes
of degradation that have acted upon it over
the years. In June 2002, Archeologist Bruce
A. Jones, Midwest Archeological Center,
conducted a topographic survey of the research
area.
|
|
Topographic map of southern end of square,
2001
|
| This was the first detailed
topographic survey at the Hopeton Earthworks
since Colonel Middleton surveyed the site
for the Bureau of American Ethnology in 1890
(Thomas 1894). Comparison of the magnetic
and topographic maps of the south wall indicates
that the magnetic maxima lie within the area
of highest topography, but that these maxima
are close together relative to the topographic
contours. |
|
Magnetic gradient map of southern end of
square, 2001
|
This discrepancy between
the two types of data may be tied to degradation
of the site contours by agricultural processes.
Visual examination of the site and the topographic
map clearly shows that the wall has been
flattened by cultivation. However, it is
interesting that the material causing the
magnetic high in the wall has not been dispersed
by the spreading out of wall soils by plowing.
Explanation of this phenomenon requires
more detailed investigation of the geophysical
data, as well as the input of excavation.
Ongoing
Research >> |
|
|
