Field Analysis:How Boundaries
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[edit] Boundaries
All boundaries whether upper, lower, or discontinuous lenses should be described, though obviously they do not need to be repeated in adjacent context descriptions.
The shape and distinctness of the boundary should be described, see below. Also if there are questions over whether the deposit is a sediment or a soil, whether the deposit has been affected by post-depositional processes, or whether there has been a standstill in the stratigraphic accumulation it is also worthwhile recording which soil properties change at the boundary and how. An example of a recording system designed specifically for this purpose is that used by Worcestershire County Councils Historic Environment and Archaeology Service in the recording of alluvial sediments in the Lugg Valley. More information on this scheme can be found here.
[edit] Boundary shape
Boundary shape should be assigned to one or more of the following classes.
[edit] Boundary distinctness
Boundary distinctness is a measure of how sharp the transition between one context and the next is. Distinctness is determined by estimating the thickness of this transitional zone through which one horizon grades into another.
| Boundary Class | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Sharp | 0 - 0.5 cm |
| Abrupt | 0.5-2 cm |
| Clear | 2-5 cm |
| Gradual | 5-15 cm |
| Diffuse | greater than 15 cm |
