Keywords

Archaeology, Precontact, Isotope Analysis, CCAMP

Abstract

This thesis analyzes Donax variabilis from the Burns Site (900 to 1600 CE), located on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station along the Atlantic Coast of Central Florida. Samples were taken along growth lines of 12 Donax variabilis shells from multiple levels of the site. Results show high δ18O values, particularly in the terminal edge of shell growth, indicating cooler conditions at time of harvest. Estimation of temperature from δ18O values provides additional evidence that the D. variabilis sampled in this study were harvested during the autumn or winter. This indicates season of site occupation during these seasons, though occupation during other seasons cannot be ruled out. Sites in northern Florida display similar season of harvest for D. variabilis, potentially indicating that this is a seasonally exploited resource. Additionally, comparing modern sea surface temperatures with those during site occupation shows the time period during which the Burns site was occupied had a similar average temperature with that of modern day, but cooler minimum and maximum temperatures.

Completion Date

2024

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Zavodny, Emily

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Anthropology

Degree Program

Anthropology

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

DP0028362

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0028362

Language

English

Rights

In copyright

Release Date

May 2029

Length of Campus-only Access

5 years

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Campus-only Access)

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Accessibility Status

Meets minimum standards for ETDs/HUTs

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Restricted to the UCF community until May 2029; it will then be open access.

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