The Coastal Archaeology and The Coastal Archaeology and Dune Geoarchaeology of Lake Dune Geoarchaeology of Lake MichiganMichigan

Presented by William A. LovisPresented by William A. LovisWilliam A. Lovis

Department of AnthropologyMSU Museum

Michigan State University

Alan F. ArbogastDepartment of GeographyMichigan State University

G. William MonaghanGlenn A. Black

Laboratory of ArchaeologyMathers MuseumIndiana University

Teaching Climate Change: Insight from Large LakesScience Education Resource Center, Carleton CollegeAmerican Quaternary Association Biennial Meeting

Large Lakes Observatory and Department of Geological SciencesUniversity of Minnesota

Duluth MN 19-20 June 2012

(Photo by A. Arbogast; used with permission)

Graphic by G. W. Monaghan. Modified from Monaghan and Lovis (2005; Table 3-1)

The basins varied in configuration

Relative to changing elevations or water planes

High lake levels in one basin may correlate with lows in others

(Graphics modified from original by Rob MacDonald)

(Graphic by R. MacDonald from original by W.A. Lovis)

(Modified from graphic by R. MacDonald)

This period was characterized by mobile hunters and gathers.

PaleoIndians hunted caribou, and actively scavenged mastodon.

They made stylistically distinctive spear points.

Some of their occupations are found on relict beach ridges of early lake stages.

(Photo by W. Lovis; MSU Museum Archaeological Collections)

Adept hunters of deer using the atlatl or spear thrower

Intensive acorn, walnut and hickory nut collectors

Early exploiters of native copper(Photo by W. Lovis; MSU Museum Archaeological Collections)

These people participated in exchange systems so vast that they brought Gulf Coast conch shells to the upper Great Lakes, and Lake Superior copper was transported across the Eastern United States

(Photo by W. Lovis; MSU Museum Archaeological Collections)

(Photos by W. Lovis; MSU Museum Archaeological Collections)

(Photos by W. Lovis; right -MSU Museum Archaeological Collections;

left - State of Michigan Archaeological Collections)

The Woodland period begins variously around 2000 to 2500 years ago across the Great Lakes

It was initially defined on the basis of ceramic technology, and divided into three subperiods

Woodland peoples domesticated indigenous seed plants as well as tropical newcomers such as squash and corn (maize)

Many village sites are found in coastal zones due to the moderating lake effects of the Great Lakes

An uncarbonized Cucurbita pepo (pepo? ovifera?) seed (ca 16x8 mm) collected from organic deposits 3 m deep adjacent to the Green Point Site. Sample dated 3064-2844 cal BP

Cucurbita Rind (BorderlineDomestic Variety) From the Marquette Viaduct Site. Note That Squash is NOT Indigenous to Michigan. Sample dated 4516–4248 cal BP

(Photo by G. Urquhart, used with permission)(Photo by G. Monaghan, used with permission)

4000/2000

3000/1000

2000/ 0

1000/1000

0/2000BP/ AD-BC

EAC Possible non indigenous domestic Squash (Cucurbita pepo)

EAC Large domestic Squash Variety (C. pepo)EAC Small domestic Squash Variety (C. pepo)

EAC Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Earliest Maize (Zea mays mays) microbotanicals

EAC Limited non indigenous sumpweed (Iva annua)EAC Limited Goosefoot/Lambsquarter (Chenopodium sp)

Maize (Zea mays mays) macrobotanicals relatively abundant

Limited Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Wild Rice (Zizania aquatica)Limited Maize (Zea mays mays) macrobotanicals

LateWoodland

Early &Middle

Woodland

LateArchaic

Note the position of the primary 140 frost free day contour lineacross the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan. AsaYarnellpresented a slightlydifferent contour map in his major1964 work.

(http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/atlas/images/big03.gif)

Left – pottery rim section from the Upper Great Lakes Laurel culture

Middle – Hopewell style pottery from the southern Great Lakes

Right – Late Woodland cordmarked pottery from southern Michigan

(Photos by W. Lovis; MSU Museum Archaeological Collections)

(Photo by A. Fortier; State of Michigan

Archaeological Collections, used with permission)

Woodland peoples, and their Upper Mississippian counterparts, built burial and effigy mounds, and earthworks

They mastered the use of the bow and arrow

And developed elegant fishing technologies based on spears and gill nets

(Photo by W. Lovis; MSU Museum Archaeological Collections)

To synthesize existing geomorphological, geological, and archaeological data on coastal dunes, and to gather supplementary information from fieldwork as appropriate

To better understand the processes responsible for the cycling of coastal dune activation and stabilization

To better understand the contexts, both landforms, and elevations, in which coastal dunes are formed

To better understand the ages and timing of coastal dune formation and cycling

To better understand the ages and contexts in which archaeological sites will be formed and preserved

Dune geomorphological documentation of eolian activation and stabilization cycles

Coastal geology and glacial geology documentation of uplift, subsidence, outlet incision, lake level fluctuation, beach terrace formation

Archaeological documentation of burial and stratification in coastal and dune contexts

(Photo by A. Arbogast; used with permission)

1) westerly winds

2) long fetch (~ 110 km) across Lake Michigan

3) Lot’s of sand!

America’s North America’s North CoastCoast

Lake Superior

Lake Huron

Lake Erie

Lake Ontario

Canada

U.S.

Mississippi River

This Regional Map Shows the Distribution of Dunes and Dune Fields in Michigan, Displayingthe Primary and Secondary Project Study AreasAlong the Coastal Zone of Lake Michigan inMichigan.

(Graphic by G. Monaghan, used with permission)

(Graphic and photo by A. Arbogast, used with permission)

OSL date of 920±90 BP/1080 AD from 18m below thedune crest, from below soilzones, but at uppermost partof Unit 1 eolian sand.

Three Curves Modeling Changes in Water Levels Three Curves Modeling Changes in Water Levels During the Mid- To Late- Holocene During the Mid- To Late- Holocene

Corrected for Uplift Near Port HuronCorrected for Uplift Near Port Huron

(Graphic by G. W. Monaghan, used with permission)(Graphic by G. W. Monaghan, used with permission)

Jan 1996

Feb 2007

Dir

ectio

n of

Upl

ift

(Graphic by G. Monaghan; used with permission)

(Photo by W. Lovis; used with permission)

O’Neil Site O’Neil Site (20CX18), (20CX18), Charlevoix County, Charlevoix County, MichiganMichigan

Note stratification in swale behindforedune complex adjacent to Inwood Creek. Basal occupation dates ca. A.D. 1200, upper soil horizon was stable by the turn of the 18th century A.D.

(Photo by W. Lovis, graphic from Lovis 1973; used with permission)

This site sits atop high dunes at Petoskey. The basal occupation is primarily Middle Woodland, the upper occupation is primarily Late Woodland. Initial stabilization occurred ca. 0 A.D. (Photo by W. Lovis, used with permission)

1873-1280 cal BP2043-1512 cal BP

2163-1856 cal BP

Conventional 14C DatingExisting dates recalibrated and placed stratigraphically; limited new dates obtained on charcoal incorporated into existing sequence

Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (AMS)Dating of small samples of carbonized residues from ceramic sherds with good stratigraphic provenience, as well as small paleosol samples

Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL)Dating of samples of inorganics, primarily dune sands “sandwiching” stable organic deposits revealing soil formation, and possibly cultural use

Previously Reported Sites Had Information of Variable Quality on• Assemblage Composition, • Stratigraphy and Formation Processes, • Ages and Dating

These Data were Differentially Reported. We Needed to Develop Standard

Procedures for Both Known as Well as Newly Investigated Sites

Map showing the locations of archaeological sites and dune sampling locales around Lake Michigan. The dashed line indicates the approximate position of the Algonquin and Nipissing “hinge line”; after Leverett and Taylor (1915). Areas of presumed subsidence and uplift are labeled on either side of the “hinge line.”

(Graphic by G. Monaghan; used with permission)

Winter site composite stratigraphy of Richner’s archaeological units and noted from GeoProbe core. Note: units depths and boundaries are approximate.

Ekdahl-Goudreau site composite stratigraphy as described by UMMA field notes and that noted from the GeoProbe core. Note: unit depths and boundaries are approximate.

(Graphics by G. Monaghan; used with permission)

(Photos by W. Lovis:used with permission)

Juntunen Drag and Jab

Oneota Shell Tempered

Mackinac Punctate

(Photos and graphic by W. Lovis; used with permission)

The Eastport Site, Antrim County, MIThe Eastport Site, Antrim County, MI616’/187.75m

614’/187.15m

612’/186.54m

610’/185.93m

608’/185.32m

Unit 1/Unit 2Composite

Lacustrine SandSpodosolsLeached B/E

PaleosolEolian Sand

Artifact Zone

OSL 5150±390 B.P.In Eolian Sand at

Village of Eastport

(Graphic by W. Lovis; used with permission)

(Photo by W. Lovis; used with prmission)

Results of 2007 Results of 2007 1414C and OSL DatingC and OSL DatingThe Camp Miniwanca Site, Oceana Co, MIThe Camp Miniwanca Site, Oceana Co, MI

• Wood charcoal from hearth in buried paleosol identified by Dr. Frank Telewski as Picea sp., spruce. Tight growth rings reveal a stressed environment. • A 14C date of 820±40 BP from a hearth with ceramics, chipped stone, and bone cal. BP 730/AD 1220.

20+ Meters!

OSL ages870±80 BP above

920±80 BP below

(Photos by W. Lovis, graphic by G. Monaghan, used with permission)

Procedures for GeoProbeProcedures for GeoProbeTM TM OSL SamplingOSL SamplingStep 1: Once a sample location has been selectedon a larger site, position GeoProbeTM and take visiblesolid core to the appropriate stratigraphic depth. Photo at left is Bill Monaghan coring at Winter site.

Step 2: Assess stratigraphywithin the core. Ascertainwhether OSL sample is appro-priate, and from what depthwithin the stratigraphic section.Photo at left is from Winter site.

Step 3: Properly record stratigraphy in terms ofstandard criterion such as color, texture, grain size, organic content. Again determine at whatdepth the OSL sample should be taken. Photoat right is at Ekdahl-Goudreau/Seul Choix site.

(Photos by W. A. Lovis; used withpermission)

Step 4: Repeat the coring procedure at least once, and possibly twice. It is necessary to obtain a control, or Gamma, sample, which does not need to be light tight. More importantly it is necessary to obtain a light tight,sealed sample for OSL dating. Thus, the core tube is blackened, and covered with duct tape. It is “blind”, which is why depth assessment is critical since the sealed sample tube is cut at the appropriate location.Photo at left is the Ekdahl-Goudreau/Seul Choix site.

Procedures for GeoProbeProcedures for GeoProbeTMTM OSL Sampling OSL Sampling

Step 5: Appropriately field archive allsamples, both OSL, and Gamma, as well as preserved solid cores with visible stratigraphy. Document UTM and Lat/Long locations of cores using reasonably accurate GPS device. Asnecessary, appropriate, or required,backfill core holes with BentoniteTM clayto prohibit contaminant seepage intogroundwater. Photo at left shows solidcores from Winter site. (Photos by W. A. Lovis; used with permission)

(Photo by A. Arbogast; used with permission)

Sample transect through dune ridges between the Sample transect through dune ridges between the Nipissing wave terrace and the Lake Michigan beach, Nipissing wave terrace and the Lake Michigan beach,

Antrim Creek Natural Area.Antrim Creek Natural Area.West – Lake Michigan East - Inland

•Not to scale•Graphic by A. Arbogast and G. Monaghan, used with permission)

(Photo by A. Arbogast; used with permission)

Mt. McSauba Site, City of CharlevoixMt. McSauba Site, City of Charlevoix

OSL date on underlying sand. 740±70 B.P.

Organic horizon with cultural material.Modern 14C date on wood detritus.

(Cal 2C B.P. 305[229-132]0)

Late Woodland ceramic vessel base eroding from the buried organic horizon.Decoration suggests age of ca. 1000- 1200 AD. See the rim sherds illustrated below.

(Photographs by W. Lovis; used with permission)

The Winter Site, Delta County, MIThe Winter Site, Delta County, MIThe Winter site was AMS dated using carbonized food residues adheringto the interiors of ceramic vessels. The basal occupation horizon was dated from two sherds, a Plain sherd, and a North Bay Corded sherd. The middle/upper horizon was dated from a single sherd of Vertical Corded pottery. The dates on the lower horizon are statistically identical. The date on the middle/upper horizon is both earlier, and not identical. This suggests that these stable horizons are all very close in time. The basal OSL date is earlier than all of the AMS dates. (Graphic by G. Monaghan; used with permission)

Photos by W. Lovis;used with permission)

Dated diagnostic ceramic rims from the top 30 cm of the deposits include a Juntunen Drag and Jab and an Oneota Shell tempered rim producing statistically identical dates with a mean pooled age of cal BP 865. This reveals that the last stabilization of the site took place ca. A.D. 1085.

The base of the deposits were dated on the basis of a diagnostic Mackinac Ware rim producing an age of cal AD 770. This date is consistent with the known age of the ware, and indicates that the basal EXCAVATED deposits at 1.5 mbs were stable ca. A.D. 700-800.

The Scott Point Site, The Scott Point Site, Mackinac County, Mackinac County,

MIMI

Cal BP 1270-1068/AD 670-890

400 yrs

Mean Pooled Age Cal BP 865±28/AD 1085

Oneota Shell Tempered Juntunen Drag and Jab Mackinac Punctate

Based on our sample, there are very few Nipissing age dunes, i.e. pre- 4000 B.P., and they are relatively small.

There is a surge in dune growth frequency, intensity, and size ca. 3200 to 2000 B.P.

Dune activation slows and reduces in intensity between ca. 2000 and 1000 B.P.

Dunes again become more active from 1000 B.P. to 700 B.P.

Probability Density Distribution of all OSL Dates: Probability Density Distribution of all OSL Dates: University of Illinois-Chicago, and University of Sheffield University of Illinois-Chicago, and University of Sheffield (Function Plot by Steve Forman, UI-C)(Function Plot by Steve Forman, UI-C)

1000 2000 3000 4000 5000

OSL Probability Density DistributionOSL Probability Density Distribution

OSL Age Estimate

Medieval Warm Period?

Largest Dunes Form

Few Nipissing

Dunes

Source: Steven L. Forman

Foredune East of Marquette Michigan

South shore of Lake SuperiorDune has grown ~1.3m+ since May 2010

Bottom edge of dune grass marks former dune crest

(Photos and composite by W. Lovis, used with permission)

Three Holocene Lake Level Curves proposed for Lakes Michigan and Huron

Basis of Lake-Level Curves:

Larsen (1985): 14C ages from beach ridges, mainly in southern Lake Michigan. Thompson et.al. (2004): sedimentology of sets of recessional beaches within embayments.Monaghan and Lovis (2005): 14C ages of beaches, transgressions in mouth of rivers and archaeological sites, mainly southern Lake Huron (Saginaw Bay).

Points of Agreement: three broad intervals

High water events 6-4 kyaLow water (or stable?) interval ca 4-2 kyaFluctuating levels (alternating high/low) post-2 kya

(Graphic by G. Monaghan, used with permission)

Sample Transect Through the Torch Bay Sample Transect Through the Torch Bay Nature Preserve Between the Nipissing Nature Preserve Between the Nipissing

Shoreline and Lake Michigan.Shoreline and Lake Michigan.

West – Lake Michigan East - Inland

Not to scale(Graphic by A. Arbogast and G. Monaghan, used with permission)

West – Lake Michigan East - Inland

Not to scale(Graphic by A. Arbogast, used with permission)

Fisherman’s Island State Park transect Fisherman’s Island State Park transect across increasingly younger dune ridges.across increasingly younger dune ridges.

2180-2660 ya

Campground Loop Transect

Map showing zones on the Lake Michigan shoreline where groups of processes dominate to create specific types of beaches, dunes and archaeological sites.

Descriptive model of middle and late Holocene shoreline and dune development in areas of subsidence or stability along the southern and southeastern shore of Lake Michigan.

Descriptive model of middle and late Holocene shoreline and dune development in areas of rapid uplift along the northern and northeastern shore of Lake Michigan.

Diagrammatic model of the formation, burial and stratification of archaeological sites in areas of rapid uplift on the northern and northeastern shore of Lake Michigan.

Potential Human – Dune Landscape Potential Human – Dune Landscape Interactions North of the Interactions North of the Zone of Isostatic ReboundZone of Isostatic Rebound

Human occupation is normally BEHIND dune crests, most often in a hollow or the swale behind the foredune

Occupation surfaces most likely are not stable, and they do not display the normal signatures of soil formation. This suggests they may be induced as the product of human enhancement rather than natural pedogenic processes. They are anthropogenic horizons, and may not be formal paleosols.

Organic enhancement occurs with the introduction of charcoal, oils and fats, charred bone, and organic debris. This organic enhancement fosters rapid vegetative growth in protected and occupied swales and hollows.

Human foot traffic over lakeward positioned dune crests results in local level mobilization of the sand supply. Eolian activity deposits a veneer of inorganic sands of varying depth over the organic occupation surface. This process may occur once, resulting in burial of a single occupation, or cyclically resulting in stratification.

And South of the Hinge Line . . . ?And South of the Hinge Line . . . ?

Thanks for Your Attention

Michigan Department of Transportation Michigan Department of Natural Resources Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Michigan Office of the State Archaeologist USDA Forest Service, Hiawatha National Forest Antrim County Planning Commission Torch Lake Township National Park Service, Midwest Archaeological Center Northern Michigan University Museum of Anthropology, University of Michigan Department of Anthropology, Western Michigan University Department of Anthropology, Grand Valley State University

Dr. David Ruggles Dr. James Robertson Barbara Mead Jeff Richner Dr. Marla Buckmaster Dr. Michael Nassaney Dr. William Cremin Glenn Palmgren Dr. Janet Brashler Dr. John O’Shea Robert Spencer Dr. Charles Cleland John Franzen Jennifer Holmstadt Frank and Sandra Sakowski Dr. Diane Portfleet Eric Drake Jeanne Kokx Sue Rose Lynn Hyslop James Phillips Stevan Christianson Dr. Steven L. Forman Dr. John R. Halsey

The EndThe End