Marine Ventures - Archaeological Perspectives on Human-Sea Relations - Hein B. Bjerck
13. Icescapes and Archaeology: Interactions Above and Below Zero
Marine Ventures - Archaeological Perspectives on Human-Sea Relations - Hein B. Bjerck
Jason Rogers
University of Exeter and Northern Land Use Research Alaska, LLC (Alaska)
Description
Ice is the defining feature of the Arctic. Lake, river and sea ice, as well as frozen ground – permafrost – characterize and dominate the Arctic environment. Ice is the crucial medium for travel and subsistence for Arctic inhabitants, and understanding of this material has enabled human occupation of the region. However, baseline data regarding the significance of ice for buried and submerged cultural resource sites is lacking. The need for study and conceptual awareness of the medium is critical, especially as Arctic regions and resources are impacted by rapidly changing climatic conditions.