CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Evans, C.P.; Aitken, A.E.; and Walker, E.G.
Date : 2005.
Title : Late Quaternary geoarchaeological investigation of the Elbow Sand Hills, south-central Saskatchewan
Publication : Water, Ice, Land, And Life: The Quaternary Interface. Canadian Quaternary Association 2005 Conference June 5-8, 2005, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Issue : Abstract Volume:
Page(s) : A23.
Abstract
The Elbow Sand Hills in south-central Saskatchewan have been the locus of extensive occupations by prehistoric Plains cultural groups throughout the post-glacial period. The objectives of this geoarchaeological investigation of the Elbow Sand Hills are to identify the extent to which 1) Holocene environmental changes impacted prehistoric peoples' occupation patterns, and 2) geomorphic processes influenced the preservation of archaeological materials on a northern Great Plains landscape. An integrated study of the geomorphology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, and chronology of post-glacial sediments was performed in the sand hills and the adjacent terrain within three primary physiographic elements; aeolian sand dunes, outwash plain, and hummocky moraine. An array of prehistoric cultural groups inhabited these physiographic elements, which are confirmed by the detection of an assortment of cultural remains. Results reveal evidence of post-glacial environmental changes of alternating moist and arid climatic conditions which are preserved in the lithostratigraphy as palaeosol horizons interbedded with aeolian deposits. The occurrence of these stratigraphic units record palaeoenvironmental changes that had substantial influence on human settlement strategies in the region. Prehistoric occupations in the Elbow Sand Hills were most extensive during moist climatic conditions when vegetation stabilized the sand dunes and soil development occurred. These environmental conditions provided humans the opportunity to utilize the sand hills to procure flora and fauna resources, obtain wood supplies, and use the hummocky topography as shelter. Arid climatic events characterized by the deposition of aeolian sediments were intervals when humans abandoned the active sand dunes for other resource abundant localities such as the South Saskatchewan and Qu'Appelle River spillways. This research furthers our understanding on prevailing hypotheses of prehistoric human settlement and migration patterns on the Great Plains.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology