DRAWING A STRATIGRAPHIC PROFILE

I. Prepare the Profile for Study

A. Clean the face so that the surface is vertically straight and "fresh"

B. Photograph the profile (include scale and signboard with appropriate info)

C. Define the stratigraphic units

1. Outline the contacts

2. Describe the units based on observable characteristics (i.e., texture, color, etc.—see unit description checklist)

3. Label the units starting at the bottom with 1, I, or A

D. Set up a level line using a carpenters level, string, and two nails

E. Set up a metric tape horizontally across the profile at the top or about halfway down

II. Draw the Profile on Graph Paper

A. Establish a scale (e.g., one square on the graph paper equals one centimeter of the actual profile)

B. Start by drawing vertical borders of the profile (e.g., at 0 and 100 cm if it is a 1-meter unit you are drawing)

C. At consistent horizontal intervals (e.g., 10 cm) measure the vertical distance from the level line to (1) the surface; and (2) each unit contact

1. Include any important contact features (e.g., undulations) that may be missed with the horizontal intervals you are using

D. Draw and label the limit of the excavation

E. Using the same horizontal and vertical measuring methods, draw internal properties of each unit (e.g., lenses, radiocarbon samples, wall pins, artifacts, turbation, etc.)

F. Provide an explanation (labeled "explanation," not "legend" or "key") on the graph paper of the symbols that you used

III. Double-Check Your Drawing and Measurements