Current Grants
Currently four grant projects involving archaeology and collections are underway:
Title and Number: “Merging Aerial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Satellite Multispectral Data to Inventory Archaeological Sites” (MT-2210-05-NC-09)
Principal Investigator: Douglas Comer
Organization: Catalina Island Conservancy
Amount: $39,990
Abstract: This project will devise protocols for the fusion of commercially available synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data with commercially available multispectral data for the inventory of archaeological sites. This will be the means by which to conduct wide area surveys rapidly that record the locations of most of the archaeological sites in a survey area, among them the most important and well-preserved sites will be discovered. It will also map locations where all sites are most likely to be located. The methods used will be non-destructive, and will not involve collection of artifacts, providing savings over the near and long terms.
Title and Number: “Creating a Digital Archive for Cultural Landscapes: Recordation of Montana’s Tongue River Valley” (MT-2210-05-NC-11)
Principal Investigator: Chere Jiusto
Organization: Montana Preservation Alliance
Amount: $40,000
Abstract: Montana Preservation Alliance proposes to create a digital archive of the rich cultural landscape that is the Tongue River Valley. Using up to date video and global positioning technology, extensive traditional consultation and a drainage-based approach this project will model a best practices format for documenting, understanding and preserving cultural landscapes. The digital archive will integrate Native American and rural ranching traditions with rigorous historic sites recordation practices to create a lasting record of the history and cultural significance of valley resources. This is a timely project in a landscape where fragile historic resources are imminently at risk.
Title and Number: “Evaluation of Remote Sensing Tools for the Estimation of Interior Wyoming Basin Cultural Landscape Attributes Using Archived Satellite Imagery and Off-the-Shelf Software” (MT-2210-05-NC-13)
Principal Investigator: LuAnn Wandsnider
Organization: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Amount: $36,875
Abstract: Archaeologists have been using aerial photography and satellite imagery to locate and document large, high-contrast archaeological features since inception. But, what about smaller, low-contrast features utilized by past humans such as root patches and terrace cobble deposits? Can available, modestly-priced, higher-resolution multi-spectral satellite imagery and off-the-shelf software be used locate and grossly characterize such low-contrast features? If so, arid land archaeologists routinely working with such materials can achieve new efficiencies in their management of the archaeological record here. The proposed project evaluates this proposition.
Title and Number: “High Definition Documentation of Archaeological Structures” (MT-2210-06-NC-04)
Principal Investigator: John Loomis
Organization: Kacyra Family Foundation
Amount: $40,000
Abstract: Existing conditions documentation of archaeological structures can be cut by 60% and can improve the accuracy and fidelity of the documentation by using scanning technology. This would optimize valuable human and financial resources for archaeologist and preservation specialist working to save our ‘Vanishing Treasures’. This proposal will refine the development of a high definition documentation system for archaeology; utilize commercial off-the-shelf digital technologies; and will disseminate this method through training sessions and workshops to park personnel. This method assimilates into the archaeologist’s work process, saving significant time at each site and increasing the number of sites they record.
Recently Completed Grants
Recent, completed grant projects include:
Title and Number: “An Evaluation of Supercritical Drying and PEG/Freeze-Drying of Waterlogged Archaeological Wood” (MT-2210-05-NC-10)
Principal Investigator: Eric Shindelholz (currently with the National Park Service)
Organization: The Mariners’ Museum
Amount: $31,158
Abstract: A new preservation technique involving the use of supercritical fluids to dry waterlogged archaeological wood will be investigated and compared to current preservation treatments. Exploratory research has demonstrated supercritical drying to be an advantageous alternative to current methods of drying waterlogged wood, through reduced processing times and minimal shrinkage. The proposed study will methodically evaluate the physical effects of supercritical drying of waterlogged archaeological wood compared to air-drying and the popular polyethylene glycol/freeze-drying method. This research will lay the necessary groundwork from which to scale up the supercritical drying technique for use on larger archaeological artifacts.
Title and Number: “Testing the Regional Reliability of Spectral Signatures of Archaeological Phenomena” (MT-2210-05-NC-12)
Principal Investigator: Alan Sullivan
Organization: University of Cincinnati
Amount: $40,000
Abstract: We propose to determine whether predictive models that are based on the remotely-sensed characteristics of known archaeological phenomena can be used to forecast reliably the occurrence of unknown archaeological phenomena. Using well-documented cases from the Upper Basin, which is located south of Grand Canyon National Park in Kaibab National Forest in northern Arizona, we will acquire the spectral characteristics of various types of archaeological phenomena (e.g., masonry ruins, artifact scatters, fire-cracked-rock piles) from LANDSAT-7 and IKONOS satellite imagery, determine their image parameters, extract and apply spectral signatures to unsurveyed “targeted” terrain, and then survey the targeted terrain at high intensity (inter-surveyor distance = 10m) to ascertain whether the presence or absence of archaeological phenomena was accurately projected.