Abstract

Dog Creek (NcVi-3) is an unusual site in the northern Yukon because it contains artifacts buried in stratified context. Periglacial processes have made the stratigraphic interpretation quite complex. Geoarchaeological research at Dog Creek aims to determine the relationship between surficial artifacts, buried artifacts and stratified sediments. Understanding the site taphonomy since deposition of the artifacts is necessary to interpret a minimum age for occupation. The artifacts were interpreted to be buried by solifluction based on the organic soil in which they were located, fabric data, refitting of artifacts, and the sedimentology of the deposits. Radiocarbon dating indicates that the artifacts were buried by 3800 B.P.