How does geography affect archaeology?
Geography has a huge impact on archaeology. The physical features of a region, such as its soil type, climate, and altitude, can influence the type of artifacts that are discovered. It also affects the visibility of sites, as certain areas may be more prone to erosion and weathering. Geography can also provide clues about the type of environment the people whose remains archaeologists study were living in. Finally, geography can help researchers to better understand how certain cultures may have interacted with one another and how they may have spread throughout the region.
Other Questions about Archaeologist
- What certifications do I need to become an archaeologist?
The specific certifications required to become an archaeologist will vary depending on the country or region you live in, but in general, most archaeologists will need to obtain a degree in archaeology or a related field such as anthropology. Most countries also require archaeologists to obtain a professional certification such as the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) or the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA). Some countries may also require a license from the local government or permission to carry out certain types of research.
- What other jobs can I do with an archaeology degree?
In addition to working as an archaeologist, there are a variety of other jobs that can be pursued with an archaeology degree. Depending on your interests and skillset, some potential career paths may include: museum curator, historic preservation specialist, cultural resources manager, heritage consultant, anthropologist, anthropological field technician, anthropological interpreter, historic site interpreter, GIS analyst, and public historian.
- What is the average salary of an archaeologist?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for archaeologists in the United States was $62,410 in May 2019.
- What kinds of research do archaeologists do?
Archaeologists conduct research in a variety of ways. They study artifacts and analyze archaeological sites to better understand the context in which people lived and how they interacted with their environment. Archaeologists also examine the relationship between people and their environment through the use of various research methods, such as surveys, excavations, laboratory analyses, and archival research. Finally, archaeologists often conduct ethnographic studies to better understand the cultural, social, and economic aspects of past societies.
- What kinds of tools do archaeologists use?
Archaeologists use a variety of tools, both ancient and modern, to uncover and analyze artifacts from past civilizations and cultures. These tools include shovels, picks, trowels, and brushes for excavation; metal detectors and ground-penetrating radar for locating artifacts; and computers and digital databases for analyzing and cataloging the data. Other tools archaeologists use include sifting screens, reference books, and geographic information systems to map archaeological sites.
- What type of research do archaeologists typically do?
Archaeologists typically do field work, lab analysis, and archival research. Field work includes excavating sites, analyzing artifacts, and gathering data in the field. Lab analysis includes examining artifacts in the laboratory, analyzing the data collected in the field, and studying the materials and artifacts found in the excavations. Archival research includes researching documents, photographs, and other sources to learn more about an archaeological site.