Archaeo-geophysical survey on the Ushpitun landform, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador

Abstract

This thesis presents the results from a geophysical survey undertaken on the Ushpitun landform, an area of Intermediate period Amerindian occupation This archaeo-geophysical survey intends to test the efficacy of using magnetometry, ground penetrating radar, and magnetic susceptibility/conductivity to locate features on the landform. Additionally, the effectiveness and efficiency of geophysical survey methods will be compared to past non-geophysical methods. The results of this project conclude that magnetometry is the best means of locating features, though this is couched in the failure of the magnetic susceptibility/conductivity instrument and the inability of the ground penetrating radar to identify any near-surface features. Charcoal recovered from three combustion features was analyzed and calibrated radiocarbon dates offer a challenge to previous relative sea level dating in the area. An analysis of surface collected lithic materials supports Neilsen’s (2006) assertion that the landform was likely a limited procurement camp and not a long-term habitation site.