Geophysical prospection in the cade archaeological district of Vernon County, Wisconsin

Abstract

This thesis undertakes an intensive geophysical survey in order to test the archaeological applicability of the geophysical equipment available at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse while attempting to document potential archaeological features that may aid in future excavations. It also employs a new method of survey in the Cade Archaeological District that may contribute to the understanding of the spatial distribution and expansion of the Late Woodland Cultural Tradition. The Cade Archaeological District located along the North Fork of the Bad Axe River Valley in Vernon County, Wisconsin has more than fifteen documented archaeological sites. The major archaeological research that is being conducted in the area regards the expansion of the Late Woodland Tradition into year round settlements in the valley. Although the Bad Axe River Valley is rich in archaeological history, determining the best place to begin excavating can be difficult as many sites lie below post-settlement alluvium. Geophysical techniques can aid in locating buried archaeological features by detecting anomalous soil signatures among the normal soil background.