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In the spring of 2010,
Friends board member Mike Semenock attended a meeting at Little Bighorn
Battlefield National Monument (LIBI). While at the battlefield, retired
Chief Archeologist Dr. Douglas Scott and Superintendent Kate Hammond
shared with Mike their concerns over the possible changes in the “natural
process of a meandering river evolution on the Little Bighorn River” and
its affect on an oxbow near the mouth of the Deep Ravine. It is possible
the river would cut through the oxbow leaving it outside the Monument’s
boundaries.
Doug suggested an archeological survey be conducted on the oxbow and
retrieve any artifacts that might be found. Doug proposed using metal
detection: pulse induction. This relatively new technique fires a
high-voltage pulse of electrical signal into the ground and is effective
to a depth of three feet or so. LIBI would contribute funds for the survey
but was still short $5,000. Mike asked the Friends board to donate that
amount, which was approved, and ensured the survey would take place the
following July.
This archeologoical survey was conducted in just a few days and required
only a small team of five individuals. Time also permitted the team to conduct a quick survey on
certain parts of the battlefield to further test pulse induction.
Dr. Scott has provided his final report, "Investigating the Oxbows and
Testing Metal Detector Efficiency at Little Bighorn Battlefield National
Monument, Montana" which you can read by selecting from the navigation button near
top right.
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