Archaeological Investigations in Nevada

When people arrived in the Great Basin about 14,000 years ago, they found a region much cooler and wetter than today. Because of these climatic differences, valley bottoms where salt flats and playas are found today were once lakes with marsh and riparian habitat that acted as a draw for early settlers. The UUAC research team targeted investigations along the ancient shore of former Lake Gilbert in search of archaeological remains that would provide insights into the livelihoods of these early occupants of North America.

The project was led by Brian Codding, assistant professor of anthropology and Director of the Archaeological Center, along with Ph.D. students Kate Magargal, Erik Martin, Ashley Parker and Blake Vernon, postdoctoral scholar Christopher Parker, and collaborators from the University of Nevada, Reno and Sacramento State University. This investigation was supported by the a Faculty Research and Creative Grant Project from the University of Utah Research Foundation and the office of Vice President for Research. Students interested in learning more about local archaeological research opportunities are encouraged to contact the UUAC.