Final answer:
Archaeologists participate in surveys and excavations as two types of fieldwork. Surveys involve walking through areas or using technology to identify potential sites, while excavations are an in-depth process of uncovering and analyzing artifacts and structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Archaeological Fieldwork Types
Archaeologists engage in two primary types of fieldwork: surveys and excavation. A survey is often the initial step in field research, where archaeologists either walk through a potential site or use advanced technology, such as drones or Earth, to identify surface artifacts or unusual terrain indicating a site of interest. The collection of GPS coordinates and field notes helps to pinpoint cultural objects, while natural indicators such as specific plants and animals provide further context about the site's history and usage.
In contrast, excavation involves a more in-depth investigation once a site with potential historical significance is identified through surveying. It is a meticulous process involving partitioning the site with a grid system, cataloging artifacts, and gently removing soil with tools as fine as toothbrushes. This process helps in uncovering structures or objects such as ecofacts, which then undergo specialized analysis by professionals like zooarchaeologists or archaeobotanists.