(pp. 1 - 5)
Vincent P. Miller, Jr.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, Pennsylvania
Abstract
The study of prehistory undefined that long but unwritten record of early human development and accomplishments undefined is filled with questions and controversies. Of prehistory, less is known than the public generally supposes. Indeed the data of man's early development is quite incomplete, a fact often obscured by the difficulty of the subject. The inscrutable nature of prehistorical study lies particularly in two areas, that of techniques and theory.
SOME GEOGRAPHIC THEMES IN THE PREHISTORY OF THE GREAT PLAINS
(pp. 6 - 10)
Richard G. Reider
University of Nebraska
Lincoln, Nebraska
Abstract
The essential physical foundation of the Great Plains was formed by the time of the close of the Cretaceous period, for the inland sea and the Rocky Mountain geosyncline had deposited a thick layer of Precambrian, Paleozoic, and Mesozoic sediments. Crustal disturbance, attaining a zenith during the Paleocene and lasting intermittently throughout the Tertiary, raised the Rocky Mountains on the west, flanking them in turn on the east with a deep synclinal trough. This trough, reaching depths well below sea level, was bordered sequentially by a broad arch extending and dipping eastward into the regressive inland sea, of which the Gulf of Mexico is but a remnant.
THE ROLE OF POLLEN IN THE RECONSTRUCTION OF PAST ENVIRONMENTS
(pp. 11 - 19)
Vaughn M. Bryant, Jr.
Robert K. Holz
University of Texas
Austin, Texas
Abstract
One of the many concerns of geographers is earth landscapes and environments, both present and past. Within the span of recorded history there is reference and description of the landscape, even from very early times. Such writers, as Herodotus and Strabo give us invaluable, yet tantalizing and sometime, puzzling insights into earth environments even before the time of Christ.
COMPARISON OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY MONONGAHELA CULTURE TO ONE OF ITS COMPONENTS - THE JOHNSTON SITE
(pp. 20 - 25)
John D. Stephens
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, Pennsylvania
Abstract
Man can exist almost anywhere on the earth's surface where he has access to obtain food, water, and fuel, and do so without any radical change in his physical structure. Because man is a modifier, he can easily change his customary ways of filling his basic needs under new or changing conditions of his surroundings. For primitive man to live a better life required an increasing knowledge of the resources in his locality and an awareness of ways to exploit them.