Some Techniques for Mechanical Excavation in Salvage Archaeology.

Two techniques that were used for mechanical excavation of archaeological sites in California are discussed. One technique involves excavation by soil strata and the other employs arbitrary 10 cm levels. The development of a method for large-scale hydraulic screening using recirculated water is also described. Advantages and drawbacks to mechanized excavation are discussed; and it is concluded that controlled scientific excavation can sometimes be conducted by machine, thereby permitting very substantial financial savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]