Archaeology Term: Surface Survey
Surface survey is the method of searching for archaeological remains by physically examining the landscape, usually on foot.
It involves systematically scanning the ground for artifacts, features, or other signs of past human activity.
During a surface survey, archaeologists walk across a site or area, looking for visible clues that indicate human occupation. This process helps identify sites or specific locations where more detailed excavation may be warranted.
Surface surveys can reveal artifacts like pottery shards, stone tools, or remnants of structures, providing a snapshot of past human behavior. These finds can help archaeologists understand how people interacted with their environment and the kinds of activities they conducted.
There are many different types of survey techniques, each tailored to specific research goals or environmental conditions. These may include systematic walking transects, where the area is divided into grids, or more targeted approaches focusing on areas of interest based on prior knowledge.
In some cases, surface surveys can be complemented by other non-intrusive methods, such as remote sensing or archaeology/aerial-photography'>aerial photography. These tools provide additional data to help archaeologists identify potential areas for further investigation without disturbing the ground.
One of the benefits of surface survey is that it allows archaeologists to quickly assess a large area without the need for excavation. It can also provide valuable contextual information about the distribution of artifacts, which may reflect patterns of settlement, trade, or activity areas.
While surface surveys are non-invasive, they can sometimes overlook buried or less visible remains. For this reason, surface survey results are often combined with other archaeological techniques, such as subsurface testing or excavation, to provide a more complete understanding of a site.
Surface surveys also help archaeologists evaluate the preservation conditions of a site and plan future research accordingly. By identifying areas where artifacts are abundant or well-preserved, surveys guide the focus of more intensive archaeological work.
Finally, surface survey is a key method in archaeology that involves walking the landscape to identify visible archaeological remains. It provides a first step in site discovery and helps archaeologists understand broader patterns of past human activity.
