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29-24 Geoarchaeology of the Fulton Quadrangle and Seeberger Cave, Jackson County Iowa

Session: Undergraduate Research, Part II (Posters)

Poster Booth No.: 75

Presenting Author:

Starr Claussen

Authors:

Claussen, Starr¹, Heinzel, Chad², Luce, Faith³, Green, Bill⁴

(1) Earth and Environmental Science, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA, (2) Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA, (3) Earth and Environmental Science, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA, (4) Logan Museum of Anthropology, Beloit College, Beloit, Wisconsin, USA,

Abstract:

This investigation explores the relationships between local raw materials (sediments, stone, water) and ceramic artifacts recovered from USGS EDMAP work and archaeological excavations at Seeberger Cave in Jackson County, Iowa. Ceramics recovered from Seeberger Cave, a south-facing rock shelter located about 10 km north of the town of Maquoketa. This rock shelter is positioned twelve meters above the valley floor and 150 meters north of the modern Maquoketa River. Originally excavated in 1920 by archeologists Paul Nesbitt and George Collie, the site yielded cultural material dating across a span of 6000 years, with the most extensive use from the late Archaic (2100-950 B.C.E.) to Late Woodland (650-1100 C.E.) periods. Limited archeological records from the 1920 excavation left many unanswered questions and data is lacking in the comparative analysis between ceramics and local clay deposits. This work addresses these geoarchaeological questions by characterizing ceramic samples housed by the Logan Museum of Anthropology at Beloit College with color, petrography and a handheld X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer to determine chemical composition. In addition to this current research, previous EDMAP research characterized the area’s surficial geology, including clay and sand samples that also underwent physical and chemical analysis. Multivariate Analysis in RStudio is being used for a comparison between Seeberger ceramics and local clay and sand materials. By integrating previous site investigations with ceramic analysis, this research aims to clarify whether Late Woodland communities utilized nearby resources for ceramic production. The results contribute to broader discussions of technological choices, resource access, Native American trading networks, and landscape use in prehistoric Iowa. Ultimately, this work highlights how combining modern technology and legacy collections can help support interpretations on past human activity.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 1, 2026

Geoarchaeology of the Fulton Quadrangle and Seeberger Cave, Jackson County Iowa

Description

Session Format: Poster

Presentation Date: 3/10/2026

Presentation Room: RCC, Lower Level Hall

Poster Booth No.: 75

Author Availability: 2:00-4:00 p.m.

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