Excavation Techniques

Description: This quiz evaluates your knowledge of various excavation techniques used in archaeology.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: archaeology excavation techniques artifacts history
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

Which excavation technique involves the removal of soil in thin, horizontal layers?

  1. Trenching

  2. Strip Mining

  3. Quarrying

  4. Contouring


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Trenching is a common archaeological excavation technique where soil is removed in thin, horizontal layers, allowing archaeologists to examine the stratigraphy and features of a site.

What is the primary purpose of excavation in archaeology?

  1. Treasure Hunting

  2. Land Development

  3. Mineral Extraction

  4. Uncovering Historical Artifacts


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The primary purpose of excavation in archaeology is to uncover and study historical artifacts, structures, and features that provide insights into past human societies and cultures.

Which excavation technique involves the removal of soil using a grid system?

  1. Quarrying

  2. Contouring

  3. Strip Mining

  4. Grid Excavation


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Grid excavation is an archaeological technique where the excavation area is divided into a grid, and soil is removed systematically within each grid square, allowing for precise recording of artifacts and features.

What is the term for the process of carefully removing soil around an artifact to expose it without causing damage?

  1. Excavation

  2. Quarrying

  3. Contouring

  4. Delicacy


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Delicacy is the process of carefully removing soil around an artifact to expose it without causing damage, ensuring its preservation and integrity for further study.

Which excavation technique involves the use of water to remove soil and expose archaeological features?

  1. Quarrying

  2. Contouring

  3. Hydraulic Excavation

  4. Strip Mining


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Hydraulic excavation uses water to remove soil and expose archaeological features, particularly in waterlogged or delicate environments where traditional excavation methods may cause damage.

What is the term for the process of recording the location and depth of artifacts and features during excavation?

  1. Excavation

  2. Contouring

  3. Delicacy

  4. Provenience


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Provenience refers to the process of recording the location and depth of artifacts and features during excavation, providing crucial information for understanding their context and significance.

Which excavation technique involves the removal of soil in large blocks or chunks?

  1. Trenching

  2. Quarrying

  3. Contouring

  4. Strip Mining


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Quarrying is an excavation technique where large blocks or chunks of soil are removed, often used in the extraction of building materials or in large-scale archaeological projects.

What is the term for the process of removing soil along natural contours to expose archaeological features?

  1. Trenching

  2. Contouring

  3. Strip Mining

  4. Grid Excavation


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Contouring is an excavation technique where soil is removed along natural contours, following the topography of the site, to expose archaeological features while minimizing disturbance to the surrounding environment.

Which excavation technique involves the removal of soil in long, narrow strips?

  1. Trenching

  2. Strip Mining

  3. Quarrying

  4. Contouring


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Strip mining is an excavation technique where soil is removed in long, narrow strips, often used in large-scale mining operations or in archaeological surveys to expose subsurface features.

What is the term for the process of carefully removing soil around a delicate artifact using small tools?

  1. Excavation

  2. Delicacy

  3. Provenience

  4. Contouring


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Delicacy refers to the process of carefully removing soil around a delicate artifact using small tools, ensuring its preservation and integrity for further study.

Which excavation technique involves the use of heavy machinery to remove large amounts of soil?

  1. Trenching

  2. Strip Mining

  3. Quarrying

  4. Contouring


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Quarrying is an excavation technique where heavy machinery is used to remove large amounts of soil, often used in the extraction of building materials or in large-scale archaeological projects.

What is the term for the process of recording the stratigraphic layers and features of an archaeological site?

  1. Excavation

  2. Delicacy

  3. Provenience

  4. Stratigraphy


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Stratigraphy refers to the process of recording the stratigraphic layers and features of an archaeological site, providing insights into the site's history and development over time.

Which excavation technique involves the removal of soil using a combination of hand tools and machinery?

  1. Trenching

  2. Strip Mining

  3. Quarrying

  4. Contouring


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Trenching is an excavation technique where soil is removed using a combination of hand tools and machinery, allowing for the examination of stratigraphic layers and features in a controlled manner.

What is the term for the process of carefully removing soil around an artifact using a brush?

  1. Excavation

  2. Delicacy

  3. Provenience

  4. Contouring


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Delicacy refers to the process of carefully removing soil around an artifact using a brush, ensuring its preservation and integrity for further study.

Which excavation technique involves the removal of soil using a combination of hand tools and water?

  1. Trenching

  2. Strip Mining

  3. Quarrying

  4. Hydraulic Excavation


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Hydraulic excavation uses water to remove soil and expose archaeological features, particularly in waterlogged or delicate environments where traditional excavation methods may cause damage.

- Hide questions