Abstract

We present the initial results of constituent analyses of the fine fraction (<2mm) of shell midden matrix obtained from auger samples collected at sites on the central coast of British Columbia. The analyses include measures of organic, carbonate, and inorganic content, and measures of inorganic grain size and shape. The results are compared between sites to determine whether variability in fine-grained midden content can differentiate reliably between short-term campsites and long-term residential settlements. The same data are compared between locations within sites to assess their utility in delineating residential and refuse disposal areas.