Field Analysis:Worcester Recording

SASSA Home Page &#8658; Field Analysis Home Page &#8658; Field Recording &#8658; How to Record &#8658; Alternate Recording Schemes &#8658; Alluvial Deposit Recording Scheme

Alluvial Deposit Recording Scheme
This scheme was developed by Worcestershire Historic Environment and Archaeology Services and David Jordan of Terra Nova Ltd. for use in describing the deep alluvial sections of the Lugg Valley, Worcestershire.

The recording sheet was designed to allow a quick visual record of profiles through the alluvium to be made on which are recorded the key properties to allow post-excavation interpretation of depositional conditions, soil formation and stability and the effects of post-depositional alteration and overprinting by gleying processes. The properties have been chosen to reflect the particular problems and questions related to the Lugg Valley deposits, but with specialist help it would be possible to adapt the system for use on similar sequences elsewhere.

The first 3 columns are designed to allow a sketch of the profile to be made outlining the units delineated by boundaries the sharpness of which should be indicated by complete or dotted lines. This can be annotated with context numbers, sample locations and any other information not included to the right.

Under each property class, e.g. colour, changes in that property are recorded by means of vertical lines, Where the property is consistent this will be a continuous line, becoming discontinuous at the boundary. the length of the discontinuous protion should reflect the vertical extent of the boundary zone in the field. where there is a gradation in property, e.g. colour grading from dark brown to mid brown, this can be represented by two overlapping lines. Distinct thin bands of material such as organic material or iron pans should be represented by horizontal lines under the appropriate column, and symbols may be used to represent particular sedimentary structures, inclusions and artefacts.

This recording sheet is designed to be complemented by photographs, sketches of the long horizontal sections, plans, and monolith samples.

Click on the image to the left to see a completed recording sheet.

 &larr; Back to Alternate Recording Schemes