Nonstructure 406, extramural surface

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Features

Pit: not further specified (Feature 1) Top of page
General description
Basin shaped pit excavated into undisturbed native sediments.
Use history
The features internal characteristics indicate that it was used as a borrow pit.
Associated features
None.
Excavation procedure
Entire portion of feature within 1-x-1-m unit 432N 518E was excavated with a trowel and pick and fill was screened (1/4 inch).
Portion excavated
All of feature exposed in 1-x-1-m unit 432N 518E, Segment 1.
Horizontal location
Northeastern portion of Nonstructure 401; in north half and southeastern corner of 1-x-1-m unit 432N 518E.
Vertical location
64 cm from the modern ground surface to Surface 1 and 105 cm from the modern ground surface to the feature bottom.
Construction
A basin-shaped pit was excavated from undisturbed native sediments from Surface 1. The prehistoric excavation was undulating and bumpy. The pit was not prepared or lined, possibly indicating this feature may have been utilized as a borrow pit.
Remodeling/ modification
No
Thermal alteration
No
Sooting
No
Sealed
No
Preservation
Excellent.
Degree of preservation
Shape in plan view
Actual:  basin-shaped.
Inferred: 
Shape in cross section
Actual:  irregular.
Inferred: 
Shape comments
Dimensions
 
Actual
Complete?
Inferred
Comments
Length
97
No
Measured north-south.
Width
97
No
Measured east-west.
Height
No
Depth
20
Yes
Measured from Surface 1 to bottom of feature.
Stratigraphy
Stratum
Interpretation
Inclusions
Disturbance
Color
Texture
1
Redeposited sterile sediments with abundant amounts of sandstone debris; construction refuse.
Caliche, sandstone
None
Yellowish-red
Silty clay
2
Natural wind and water deposits
Caliche
None
Reddish-brown
Silty loam