shovel test

A 'shovel test' is a quick and efficient method used primarily in archaeology and environmental studies to gather preliminary data from the ground.

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Definition

C1Archaeology

(technical, academic)A method involving the excavation of small, shallow pits to determine the presence of cultural materials.

Example

  • The team conducted a shovel test to locate potential artifacts before starting the full excavation.
  • Shovel tests revealed traces of ancient pottery beneath the surface.

C1Environmental Studies

(technical)A technique for assessing soil composition and contamination by digging small pits for sampling.

Example

  • Shovel tests were performed to check for soil contamination in the area.
  • The environmental team used shovel tests to sample the soil before construction.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "shovel test":

shovel outshovel hatdig downsteam shoveldig outdig indig intodig on