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Finding and Excavating Sites in the Arctic

Archaeological research in the Arctic presents a number of unique challenges, including excavation into permafrost, short field seasons and immense logistical problems. Therefore, most research until the mid-1980s focused on filling gaps in its culture history. However, due in part to the extreme nature of the environment, ethnoarchaeological research here has resulted in important theoretical and methodological contributions to archaeology generally.

The accompanying images show a bit about how archaeologists travel to and within the Canadian Arctic, how they live while carrying out their excavations, and how they find and excavate sites.

Use the submenus to the left or click here to view pictures illustrating how archaeology is done in the Canadian Arctic