Archaeology Studies
The Clement Archaeology Laboratory has space and equipment for processing and analyzing
archaeological materials. Binocular and materials microscopes are available for analyzing
lithic, ceramic, and paleoethnobotanical samples. Additionally the lab has a network
of five computers outfitted with the latest version of ArcGIS, Trimble Pathfinder
Office, graphics, and statistical software packages for conducting archaeological
spatial analysis research. Other resources include a regionally oriented book and
map library.
Beyond the standard archaeological field equipment, the archaeology program also possesses specialized resources for spatial analysis and geophysical prospecting. Spatial analysis resources include a Sokkia Total Station theodolite with a TDS data collector running Windows Mobile software, two Trimble Geo Explorer sub-meter capable GPS (Global Positioning System) units, a Trimble GeoXT GPS (decimeter level accuracy) , and a Trimble GPS base station. Geophysical prospecting instruments include a conductivity meter and a Geometrics 858 cesium magnetometer (available on loan from CERI).
Presently, the archaeology program has two field stations. Dr. Dye is currently working
at the Link Site, a state-owned archaeological park located in west-central Tennessee.
Link is a Mississippian mound and village complex dating to ca. AD 1500. The field
station possesses accommodations for researchers working at Link and the surrounding
Tennessee River Valley. Dr. Mickelson is currently researching temporal changes in
prehistoric land use (ca. 4000 BC - AD 1000) on the 18,600 acre Ames Plantation Research
and Education Center, one of the University of Tennessee's Agricultural Experiment
Stations. Onsite facilities include a cafeteria, dormitory and field laboratory.