Final answer:
Archaeological excavations follow meticulous methodologies including documenting artifacts in situ and using a grid system for mapping. Principles such as the law of superposition help in relative dating, while physical laws from physics assist in the understanding of natural processes involved.
Step-by-step explanation:
Excavation is a meticulously detailed process used in fields such as archaeology, where it is critical to preserve the context and integrity of artifacts and the site itself. In archaeology, various laws and principles guide excavation practices to ensure that artifacts remain as secure and undisturbed as possible. One of the key methodologies in archaeological excavation is maintaining artifacts in situ, meaning in their original place, to retain context that is vital for interpretation.
To carefully manage an excavation, the site is divided using a grid system, and each artifact uncovered is mapped and recorded meticulously, with catalog or accession numbers assigned for identification. This process is supported by the law of superposition, a principle from geology applied to archaeology, which assists in the relative dating of artifacts by examining their depth and stratification in the soil layers.
Principles of physics are also fundamental to understanding and interpreting archaeological sites. Physical laws are unchangeable rules that govern natural processes, including the motion and characteristics of objects found during excavations.