Daniel O. Larson

Advanced Scientific Methods and Procedures in the Forensic Investigation of Clandestine Graves

Our goal is to discuss the new technologies and procedures that we have developed for the discovery and recovery of buried victims. We argue that forensic investigations of clandestine graves must be grounded in the most advanced scientific methods and evidence-collection techniques available. A structured program that includes an interdisciplinary team of forensic scientists and law enforcement experts is proposed to facilitate all aspects of the investigative and legal process. Such issues are of great relevance because most legal jurisdictions have a number of cases each year and present operating procedures are not standardized. There is a clear need for national dialog to improve our investigative efforts and insure best practices in forensic science across legal jurisdictions and law enforcement agencies.

Population Growth, Agricultural Intensification, and Culture Change among the Virgin Branch Anasazi, Nevada

Abstract Virgin Branch Anasazi settlement pattern data are examined to determine the extent to which agricultural practices may have been intensified along the Muddy and Virgin rivers of southern Nevada between A.C. 100 and 1150. It is argued that as population levels increase among arid-land hunters and gatherers there is an inevitable decline in the ratio between the quantities of wild resources and a regions human population. In response to such imbalances a progressive shift towards a greater reliance upon domesticated crops, storage, and trade occurs, promoting yet further demographic increases and still greater demands for food production.Analyses of Periods III, IV and V settlement data derived from new, intensive archaeological surveys for this regionof the Great Basin support the notion that in response to population growth the Virgin Branch Anasazi did intensify agricultural productivity and did so by means of check-dams and canal-ditch irrigation. Change reflected in agricultural practices and...

Enhancing Diversity in the Geosciences.

Abstract An innovative interdisciplinary project at California State University, Long Beach, was designed to increase the attractiveness of the geosciences (physical geography, geology, and archaeology) to underrepresented groups. The goal was to raise awareness of the geosciences by providing summer research opportunities for underrepresented high school and community college students and their faculty. A survey of a larger sample provided insight into strategies for enhancing geoscience awareness. A qualitative evaluation pointed to its success in meeting project goals. This unprecedented level of collaboration has set the groundwork for an institutional shift for inclusion of minorities in the geosciences and warrants replication.

Ethnic differences in geoscience attitudes of college students

While a gender balance remains elusive in the geosciences [de Wet et al., 2002], the underrepresentation of ethnic minorities in these fields is at least as great a concern. A number of cultural and social factors have been proposed to explain the poor ethnic minority representation in the geosciences, including limited exposure to nature, deficient academic preparation, inadequate financial resources to pursue higher education, ignorance of career opportunities in the geosciences, insufficient family support, and misconceptions of the field.

Geophysical surveys of stratigraphically complex Island California sites : new implications for household archaeology

Ground-penetrating radar and other geophysical techniques are known to produce useful data when deposits are crisply structured, as in the case of sub-surface masonry walls or large ditches. New studies of Californian coastal sites find the methods are effective in tracing the less sharp distinctions that define clay and sand house floors within these large and dense hunter-gatherer middens.

Integrating Geosciences into Instruction-Based Archeological Research on the Anasazi in Southern Utah

Geology and anthropology students and faculty at California State University at Long Beach are integrating multidisciplinary approaches to the study of prehistoric Anasazi sites in southern Utah. Students enrolled in field-study courses participate in archeological data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Concurrently, they enhance their understanding of the Anasazi sites through application of advanced geophysical exploration techniques and concepts of field geology and paleoclimatology. This complementary educational and research program offers the students diverse strategies to thoroughly address cultural heritage assessment, not only within a site-specific framework, but also within a broader environmental context.