Modeling paleolandscapes in central Texas

Ecological approaches to archaeological interpretation assume that environment influences hunter-gatherer behavior, and in particular, subsistence behaviors. In this project proxy data for paleoenvironmental reconstruction was collected from limestone karst features (caves) and used to construct and/or verify quantified models of past environments and landscapes on the southern edge of the Edwards Plateau, central Texas. Distribution of archaeological material on these reconstructed landscapes was then examined in an attempt to discern relationships with resources.; Limestone karst caves proved to be a very productive source of proxy data for paleoenvironmental reconstruction and the quantified environmental model was thought provoking. The archaeological material suffered from the weaknesses frequently found in landscape projects (poor chronological resolution, mixing of artifacts from differing time periods, and the difficulty in defining cultural and geographical boundaries) and severely limited interpretation.