Locational Probabilities for Archeological Sites in the Eastern Rapides-South Central Avoyelles Region, Central Louisiana.

摘要

The aim of this study was to produce reliable site density estimators and assess site locational probabilities for various watershed channels in the Eastern Rapides-South Central Avoyelles parishes area. Soil types were selected as the primary units of comparison. Based on site-soil associations in 47 previously surveyed corridors in the study area, estimates of expected site densities were determined for 33 soil types. Statistical characteristics including upper and lower bounds of a 95 percent confidence parameter of a Poisson distribution and maximum variances were also calculated for each expected density. Watershed channels, designated by the Soil Conservation Service, used or to be used to aid in flood protection and watershed management within the Corps of the Engineer's project area were evaluated as to the likelihood of encountering archeological sites along their reaches. By quantifying soil units and applying the estimates of expected site density, every watershed channel was assigned a probability, expressed as a percentage, of encountering no archeological sites. To express the relationships of sample size, standard errors for the estimates were also used.