Santa Cruz Island Reserve

21 Jun, 05 AM - 23 Jun, 10 AM

The purpose of the proposed research is to collect several samples of chlorite schist from the Santa Cruz Island Schist formation [SCISF] (Weaver et. al. 1969; Weaver 1969; Hill 1976). These samples will be added to a growing collection of chlorite schist and other soft stone materials (i.e. soapstone, steatite, serpentine) acquired from natural deposits and archaeological quarry sites located throughout the greater Southern California region. These materials, along with soft stone artifacts recovered from archaeological deposits, will be subjected to comparative chemical composition analysis using non-destructive Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The thesis-based research will produce an empirical data set of soft stone chemical signatures that assist future archaeological provenience analysis. Chlorite-schist was a soft stone (mohs hardness less than four) material used by California?s Native populations to produce a variety of tools and personal adornments including, among other things, perforated stone net sinkers and digging stick weights, ornaments, charms, and beads. Chlorite schist artifacts have been recovered from archaeological deposits on Santa Cruz Island, however no evidence of quarrying or manufacturing of this local resource has been identified (Glassow, Personal Communication 2007). The lack of archaeological evidence, however, does not rule out the possibility that Santa Cruz Island chlorite schist was procured for the production of stone tools and adornments and subsequently distributed throughout the region. The proposed research will take place between June 17 and June 19, 2007, during which time housing accommodations for two and a jeep will be needed. As part of the study, portions of the SCISF within the immediate vicinity of existing dirt roads will be surveyed and chlorite-schist (not to exceed ? of a 5-gallon bucket) will be collected from a number of natural deposits (not to exceed 5). If evidence of cultural or historical resources is identified during the field investigation it will be properly documented and reported to the conservancy. Materials will not be collected from archaeological sites identified during the field study without permission from the conservancy. All anticipated collections are to be made from natural, culturally unaltered geologic formations. The field area that will be targeted for this study is the island?s metamorphic belt located south of the Santa Cruz Island Fault and west of Valley Anchorage in the foothills of the Colorado Range. Impacts to local flora and fauna will be minimal, as most on-island travel will take place over existing dirt roads and materials other than stone will not be collected. Impacts to the islands natural systems will be minimal and will not cause any adverse impact that could threaten the present or future long-term use of the reserve for research or instructional purposes.

Visit #12975 @Santa Cruz Island Reserve

Approved

Under Project # 8211 | Research

Source Characterization of Santa Cruz Island Chlorite Schist

graduate_student - California State University (CSU), Northridge

Reservation Members(s)

John Eddy Jun 21 - 23, 2007 (3 days)
John Eddy Jun 21 - 23, 2007 (3 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

Jeep 2 Jun 21 - 23, 2007
Private Room 2 Jun 21 - 23, 2007