Geoarchaeology and Paleoenvironmental Context of the B urntwood C reek Rockshelter, High Plains of Northwestern K ansas, U . S . A

The first systematic geoarchaeological study of a rockshelter in K ansas yielded information about rockshelter formation, H olocene paleoenvironments, archaeological site formation processes, and prehistoric human habitation and site use. The rockshelter was carved by groundwater sapping; colluvium, alluvium, and roof‐fall debris subsequently accumulated on its floor. An assemblage of L ate A rchaic (∼2000–4000 14 C years before present [yr B.P.]) cultural deposits (lithic material, bone, and charcoal) is preserved in a 2‐m thick package of colluvium and alluvium in front of the shelter. Chipped stone analysis indicates that L ate A rchaic occupants of the shelter were using mostly local materials and resharpening their stone tools at the shelter. Stable carbon isotope and phytolith analyses indicate that a mixed C 3 and C 4 plant community existed in the study area and that it changed in composition through the late H olocene. Based on the phytolith assemblage from an unlined fire pit at the front of the shelter, L ate A rchaic people used local hackberry trees for fuel and/or food.