Terrain Mapping Of Deglacial Landforms In The Ice-Free Corridor

Using high resolution digital elevation models, surficial geology maps, and archaeological site data you will map areas that have potential to preserve late Pleistocene/early Holocene archaeological sites in west-central Alberta. This area lies in the heart of the ice-free corridor, but has never been subject to systematic survey for deglacial aged sites. In this study you will first examine the deglacial history of the area and determine what landforms and sedimentary contexts sites are most likely to be preserved in. You will then map these areas using LiDAR digital elevation products and surficial geology maps from the Alberta Geological Survey and other supplemental information. In this project you will develop a familiarity with geospatial approaches in geomorphology and (to a lesser extent) archaeology. You do not need to be proficient in GIS to do this project, but previous geospatial experience will prove useful in this group.

Holocene Faunal Remains From Shallow Lakeshore Environments

Faunal remains from the surface of lake bottoms provide insight into the mid- to late-Holocene history of Alberta. The project will focus on the development of primary Quaternary palaeontological data (e.g., bone element classification) for sub-samples of two Holocene faunal assemblages from the Lac La Biche region (Beaver Lake and North Buck Lake). Once you have classified the samples, you will compare and contrast the two collections. This will be done quantitatively by examining the numbers of the different skeletal elements recovered and by summarizing characteristic metrics of the samples. By referencing pertinent literature, you will also provide explanations for the similarities and differences you observe between the two collections. These results will provide insight into the Holocene paeloenvironments, mammalian ecology and taphonomy in of shallow lake in northern Alberta, a hitherto underrepresented source of vertebrate fossils in Alberta.