The application of ground penetrating radar at the Kanorado locality, northwest Kansas

Geophysical studies of Paleoindian archaeological sites are rare because the sparse cultural remains at such sites cannot be detected by such methods. Though cultural remains cannot be imaged directly, ground penetrating radar (GPR) is still useful for conducting research concerning the site setting by mapping shallow soil horizons that contain archaeological deposits. GPR survey methods are advantageous because data can be collected rapidly over extensive areas without causing ground disturbance. The Kanorado locality in northwestern Kansas consists of three Early Paleoindian sites with cultural deposits 1-2 m beneath an alluvial terrace. A GPR survey of site 14SN106 was conducted in an attempt to delineate the site stratigraphy. High attenuation rates at the site limited the depth of imaging and resolution of the survey. However, the survey was successful because it helped to delineate the extent of the site as well as an unknown arroyo under the terrace.