Aeolian and drainage classification data for various archaeological sites in Grand Canyon National Park along the Colorado River from 1973 to 2022

These data were compiled to assess the risk of erosion to archaeological site preservation. The objective of the study is to evaluate changes in archaeological site condition over time as a function of two geomorphology based conceptual models that evaluate the extent to which sites are potentially affected by 1) erosion from gullies, and 2) wind-driven (aeolian) supply of river-sourced sand, respectively. These data represent the results of two classification metrics, based on the two conceptual models, applied to a population of 362 archaeological sites over multiple decades. Both conceptual models numerically rank geomorphic conditions with class values of 1 representing the best potential for archaeological site preservation and larger number class values (e.g. 2, 3, 4...) representing lower potential for archaeological site preservation. These data were collected in Grand Canyon National Park using interpretation of aerial photography acquired between 1973 and 2021, and field investigations conducted between 2000 and 2022. These data were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service. These data can be used to assess the extent to which sites are affected by erosion from gullies controlled by the base-level of the Colorado River. These data can be used to evaluate how the wind-driven (aeolian) supply of river-sourced sand, essential for covering archaeological sites and protecting them from erosion, has changed over time. These data can be used to assess potential downstream effects of Glen Canyon Dam operations on archaeological site preservation. These data can be used to assess the extent to which dam regulated flows have influenced gully establishment and development as well as availability of the supply of river-sourced sand for wind-driven (aeolian) transport at each of the 362 archaeological sites over the last 5 decades. Observed changes in geomorphic condition can be used to infer potential changes in archaeological site integrity associated with decreased potential for archaeological site preservation.