How Does an Archaeologist Spend a Workday?
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Archaeological Digs
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Archaeologists study artifacts and features (evidence of a ground disturbance, such as a hearth) of earlier cultures and civilizations. A portion of this study has to be done at dig sites, the excavated physical locations of the past civilizations. Archaeologists use trowels and sifter screens to uncover artifacts and unearth features from the dig site without disturbing the integrity and structures of the excavation. Everything uncovered is then photographed, the artifacts are placed in individual bags, and all of the soil excavated is analyzed and recorded. All of this information is then sent to the lab for further study.
Lab Work
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Most archaeologists work in labs since digs are expensive and rather destructive. In the lab, they analyze all of the artifacts and soil analysis collected from the dig site to interpret as many details as they can about the civilization, including how people lived, what tools they used, and how the civilization evolved over time. This is often a very slow and tedious process that can sometimes take months.
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Publish Findings
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After archaeologists finish interpreting their findings in the lab, they write up these interpretations in reports to be published. These reports educate and inform the public and other archaeologists of what they have found regarding the specific dig site and civilization.
Protect Archaeological Sites
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Most archaeologists work under universities, but others work for private companies and the government to help them comply with federal laws that protect archaeological sites. Instead of working at digs or in the lab, these archaeologists research sites for companies to make sure they are not potential dig sites before companies use the site for construction, mining or drilling.
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Resources
- Photo Credit U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
