The geologist and archaeologist can work together to determine whether a particular land form contains buried archaeological sites. Backhoe trench behind the modern levee on a small floodplain. This location was selected to intersect the crest of the prehistoric levee along the river channel. A Deep Testing Program is developed using data from aerial photographs, topographic maps and a field reconnaissance of the site. Trench locations are selected for landforms which have the potential to contain buried archaeological sites and other locations that provide additional stratigraphic data to develop a comprehensive depositional history for the area.
Livestock are usually very curious when deep testing in pastures.
The backhoe operator must properly compact the backfill to prevent injury to livestock when the field work is finished. It is important that the geologist and archaeologist work together in the field during a backhoe Deep Testing Program. This allows an exchange of information between the two professionals and assists in developing accurate interpretations of prehistoric environmental settings.