Archaeology is the study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture. Archaeology is often considered a branch of socio-cultural anthropology, but archaeologists also draw from biological, geological, and environmental systems through their study of the past. The archaeological record consists of artifacts, architecture, biofacts or ecofacts and cultural landscapes. Archaeology can be considered both a social science and a branch of the humanities.
Cave archaeology specifically focuses on the evidence of human culture left behind in caves. This field of study is also dedicated to preserving the last surviving links to ancient peoples. Cultural resources are being lost at a faster rate than natural resources and once gone, they are gone forever.
Session Moderator
Scott Nicolay
Graduate Student, Interdisciplinary Humanities, UC Merced
Opens: Monday, March 1, 2021
Closes: Saturday, May 1, 2021
Notifications of Acceptance: Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Scott Nicolay
Email: methysticin@hotmail.com
Link will be available here after the call for abstract submission date. Check back.
The James G. Mitchell Fund was established in 1965 and is maintained by contributions to the National Speleological Foundation. This award includes a cash award for the best scientific paper presented at the NSS Convention by a student member (or members) of the society. Eligible papers shall be judged by an interdisciplinary panel appointed by the Mitchell Award sub-committee chair. For consideration, contact sub-committee chair, Dr. Kathy Lavoie at award-mitchell@caves.org.
Some lava tubes are referred to as ice caves because they contain ice within. The natural thermal shield provided by the surrounding lava allows these caves to trap cold air during winter months. In some instances, these delicate environments create perfect conditions for exceptionally impressive ice crystalization.
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