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An archaeologist wants to survey the West Coast of South Africa for rocky outcrops that could signal the nearby presence of shell midden sites. Which of these approaches would be most suitable for reconnaissance before conducting a surface survey on foot?

The most suitable approach for reconnaissance before conducting a surface survey on foot would be: **3. Pan-sharpened satellite imagery** Pan-sharpened satellite imagery provides high-resolution images that can reveal geological features, rocky outcrops, and potential archaeological sites from a broader perspective, making it a valuable tool for initial reconnaissance. While historical maps and place name research can provide context, satellite

You have identified the potential location of a previously unrecorded shell midden on the West Coast of South Africa using aerial reconnaissance. To confirm the accuracy of your discovery, you should … Select one: 1. check archival material for

To confirm the accuracy of your discovery of a previously unrecorded shell midden, the best course of action would be to: **4. visit the location.** While checking archival material, comparing photographs to published work, and inspecting satellite imagery can provide useful information and context, a physical inspection of the site will give you the most definitive confirmation of the presence and characteristics of the shell midden. Direct

What is the name of the mythical site that we will be focusing on for the scenario-based assessment in this module? Select one: 1. Baboon Point Midden 2. Scorpion Midden 3. Pancho’s Kitchen Midden 4. Plover Beach Midden

The name of the mythical site you will be focusing on for the scenario-based assessment in this module is **Scorpion Midden**.

Which of the following researchers has extensively surveyed South Africa’s West Coast looking for Later Stone Age sites? Select one: 1. Paul Sinclair 2. Lyn Wadley 3. Marlize Lombard 4. John Parkington

The researcher who has extensively surveyed South Africa’s West Coast looking for Later Stone Age sites is **John Parkington**.

Which of the following statements best defines the type of open-air shell middens commonly found along the West Coast of South Africa? Select one: 1. Shell accumulations on the banks of fresh-water rivers that run to the coast. 2. Layered congl

The statement that best defines the type of open-air shell middens commonly found along the West Coast of South Africa is: 3. Large accumulations of discarded shell, close to the beach, formed over thousands of years.

What technique did Sean Reid use in Sierra Leone to refine satellite imagery of his research area? Select one: 1. Electromagnetism 2. Ground truthing 3. Pan-sharpening 4. Multi-spectral imagery

The technique that Sean Reid used in Sierra Leone to refine satellite imagery of his research area is: **2. Ground truthing**. Ground truthing involves collecting actual data on the ground to validate and enhance the accuracy of satellite imagery and remote sensing data.

Why are Baobab trees useful for archaeologists? Select one: 1. They are short-lived trees that give insight into local climates around the site. 2. They are seldom found on habitation sites and thus show where there are no sites. 3. They ar

The most relevant option regarding why Baobab trees are useful for archaeologists is: **3. They are visible in satellite imagery and thus serve as site markers.** Baobab trees are large and distinctive, making them easily identifiable in satellite imagery, which can help archaeologists locate and mark potential archaeological sites in the landscape.

What does the work of Shadreck Chirikure and his team at Great Zimbabwe tell us about archaeological research? Select one: 1. We rely on new technologies to make research progress. 2. If you cannot excavate, research grinds to a halt. 3. Co

The work of Shadreck Chirikure and his team at Great Zimbabwe emphasizes the importance of integrating various types of data to derive new insights in archaeological research. Therefore, the correct answer is: 3. Combining different historical spatial data sets can yield new insights.

A large area overgrown with vegetation will soon be undergoing development. You have been given a large budget to urgently identify and map stone walling using remote sensing so that developers can avoid disturbing archaeological sites. Which of the follo

Given the urgency of the task and the need to accurately identify and map stone walling while minimizing disturbance to archaeological sites, the best approach among the options provided is: **2. Carry out an airborne LiDAR survey of the study area.** Airborne LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a highly effective remote sensing technique that can penetrate vegetation canopies and produce detailed topographic maps, revealing features such as

Which of these site types will be least visible in satellite imagery and aerial photographs? Select one: 1. Historical farmhouses 2. Settlements surrounded by defensive ditches 3. Stone Age campsites 4. Iron Age stone-walled settlements

Among the site types listed, **Stone Age campsites** are likely to be the least visible in satellite imagery and aerial photographs. This is because they were typically made with temporary structures, often using natural materials that blend in with the landscape, and left minimal archaeological features. Conversely, historical farmhouses, settlements surrounded by defensive ditches, and Iron Age stone-walled settlements would have more distinct

While analysing aerial photographs you notice a farmer’s field which has distinct lines where the plants are shorter than in the rest of the field. What buried features are these lines potential evidence for? Select one: 1. Rubbish pits 2. Defe

The distinct lines where the plants are shorter than in the rest of the field are potential evidence for **defensive ditches**. These lines often indicate the presence of buried features such as ditches or other archaeological remains that disrupt the soil and affect plant growth.

Why should archaeologists be wary of place-marking or otherwise publicising the location of remote sites on platforms such as Google Earth? Select one: 1. Local communities are the only ones who should be able to access such imagery. 2. The i

4. Looters may destroy the site in search of valuable artefacts.

An archaeologist is attempting to find evidence for archaeological sites using desktop methods prior to a ground-based survey. However, they do not have any funds they can allocate to this activity. Which of these methods would be most appropriate under t

Under the circumstances where the archaeologist does not have funds to allocate to the activity, the most appropriate method would be: 4. Analyzing Google Earth imagery Google Earth is a free resource that allows users to access satellite imagery and topographical information, which can be valuable for identifying potential archaeological sites without incurring any costs.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of old maps? Select one: 1. They may feature old place names. 2. They are as accurate as modern maps. 3. They may contain political or cultural bias. 4. They cannot be correlated with sa

The statement that is NOT a characteristic of old maps is: 2. They are as accurate as modern maps. Old maps often lack the precision and accuracy of modern maps due to the limitations of technology and knowledge at the time they were created.

What does the term grey literature refer to? Select one: 1. Journal articles 2. Unpublished reports 3. Satellite images 4. Oral traditions

The term "grey literature" refers to: 2. Unpublished reports

Which of the following is NOT an example of desktop research in Archaeology? Select one: 1. Reading excavation reports filed in a regional or national archive 2. Examining historical aerial photographs 3. Reading journal articles reporting

The option that is NOT an example of desktop research in Archaeology is: 4. Analysing artefacts excavated by another researcher Desktop research typically involves gathering existing information and data from various sources without direct fieldwork or analysis of physical artifacts. Analyzing artefacts requires hands-on examination and is considered part of fieldwork or laboratory research rather than desktop research.

On an archaeological excavation, you find a piece of animal bone lying within a hearth in the centre of the remains of a settlement. The bone, hearth, and settlement remains are respectively: Select one: 1. An ecofact, a feature, and a site 2.

The correct answer is: 1. An ecofact, a feature, and a site - **Ecofact**: The piece of animal bone is considered an ecofact because it provides information about the biological environment and the diet of the people who lived at the settlement. - **Feature**: The hearth is regarded as a feature, as it is a non-portable element of the archaeological record (it's often associated with activity). - **Site**: The settlement remains themselves are

What are the two stages of archaeological survey? Select one: 1. Desktop research and mapmaking 2. Literature survey and remote sensing 3. Aerial reconnaissance and ground truthing 4. Airborne survey and excavation

The correct answer is: 3. Aerial reconnaissance and ground truthing