Fragile-Pattern Areas

Abstract

A fragile-pattern area is defined as any archaeological area in which man's material remains lie without depth upon an existing natural surface and thus comprise a pattern which is disturbed or broken by any form of selective artifact collecting. Such surfaces as desert pavements, degraded lake terraces, dunes, and trails are described, and it is shown why the first surveyor to visit a site should collect all available materials and information rather than sample them in the traditional manner. Suggestions are made for surveying areas that have already been damaged by collectors.