Ancient Landforms Washington

This research studies the potential for submerged paleolandforms and archaeological sites along the Washington coast. We will develop a new GIS model that projects paleolandscape extents under changing relative sea level since the last local glacial maximum. This model will also make projections for submerged archaeological site potential within this coastal paleolandscape. This model will be informed by the latest glacioisostatic adjustment model data, traditional knowledge of coastal landscape use and settlement by Quinault peoples and neighboring Tribes that have interest in participating in this effort, and current archaeological sites knowledge for the Washington coast. Working from this model, a geophysical survey plan will be developed and implemented to collect sidescan sonar and subbottom profiler data on the Washington continental shelf. These data will be studied to identify remnant submerged paleolandforms and any potential archaeological sites that they may contain.