Geoarchaeology Of The Dyer Site, A Prehistoric Occupation In The Western Ouachitas, Oklahoma

Geoarchaeological investigations of the Dyer Site provide evidence for occupation intensity and occupation periodicity at this late Holocene locality in the Ouachita Mountains of Oklahoma. Geomorphic, sedimentary, pedogenic, and radiometric data are used to define depositional and post-depositional environments of site construction and site modification. Sedimentation rate estimates, based on nine radiocarbon ages, are used to calculate artifact deposition rates. Rates of artifact deposition are similar for late Archaic-Woodland as well as late Prehistoric occupations. Differences in artifact density and spatial-stratigraphic distributions of artifacts are the result of inferred occupation patterns as well as differences in site modification histories for different sedimentary units within the site. Late Archaic-Woodland archaeological records are evidence for infrequent, intensive occupations. Late Prehistoric occupations were more frequent, yet less intensive. These intrasite interpretations are in accord with evidence from regional site surveys and are related to settlement pattern shifts surrounding the appearance of mound-dominated centers in major valleys.