Stratigraphy of an archeological site, Ocmulgee flood plain, Macon, Georgia

Archeological excavations on the Ocmulgee River flood plain at Ocmulgee National Monument revealed eight sedimentary units of Holocene age. Types of deposits found are natural levee, oberbank deposit, and a probable point bar. Since the 18th century, locally more than 10 feet of sediment has been deposited. These modern sediments are similar to those on other flood plains in the southeastern United States and probably resulted from erosion that began when extensive areas were laid bare for farming. They are red to reddish brown in contrast to underlying sediment, which is various shades of gray, brown, and yellow. Earliest traces of man are "spinner-type" projectiles in the lower sand member (Qls). Marrow mountain-type points are found in mottled silty sandy clay (Qmssc). Triangular stemmed Savannah River points were found throughout the intermediate sand (Qis). Fiber tempered pottery shards and steatite bowls were found in upper one half of the intermediate sand member (Qis).