Excavation

Excavation

Excavation is most commonly and best known for a

technique within the science of archaeology. The

individual types of excavation are known simply

as digs to those who participate, with this being

an over literal description of the process. An

excavation concerns itself with a specific

archaeological site or connected series of sites,

and may be carried on over a number of years, since

the work is normally seasonal.

Within the industry of excavation, many more

techniques may be utilized, with each dig having

its own particular features that may necessitate

differences of approach. Resources and other

practical issues don't allow archaeologists to carry

out excavations whenever and wherever they choose,

as many known sites have been deliberately left

alone and non excavated.

Initially, excavation involves the removal of any

topsoil that is uncovered by machine. What is

dug up may be examined by a metal detector for stray

finds but unless the excavation site has remained

untouched for a long period of time, there is a

small layer of modern material on the surface that

is of limited archaeological interest.

In rural areas, any type of archaeological features

should be visible beneath the surface. With

urban areas, they may be thick layers of human

deposits and only the uppermost will be visible to

the naked eye. With either case, the first task

is drawing a scaled site plan that will show the

edges of the excavation.

This plan can be composed using tape measures, or

as it is more common these days, an electronic

total station. A grid is normally set up, to

divide the site.

Excavation is also useful for digging out houses

and trenches. When clearing dirt out for roads

or sub divisions, excavation is what takes care of

things. Even though there are a few means, the

term excavation is used anytime that the earth or

dirt is disturbed.

Heavy machinery is also very common with excavation,

such as excavators or backhoes. Excavating crews

run the equipment and dig up soil and rocks for

whatever the purpose may be. Excavators are the

most used machinery, as they can move a lot of dirt

in a little bit of time.

Anytime you are taking part in excavation, you should

always use common sense and be safe. If you plan

to get down into a hole or trench, you should always

use a trench box. Even though the hole may not

be that deep, excavation sites can always cave in

and at that point - things are very dangerous and

possibly even deadly.

For digging up rare artifacts or putting in houses

or roads, excavation is something that has been around

for years and years. There is a lot to learn with

excavation, as you'll need to know how to run

machinery, shoot grade, and how to properly dig

holes and trenches so they won't cave in.

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