Idaho National Laboratory Cultural Resource Management Plan

archaeology. The scientific study of the physical evidence of past human societies. Archaeology's initial
objective is the construction of descriptive cultural chronology; its intermediate objective is the
description of past lifeways, and its ultimate objective involves discovery of the processes that underlie
and condition human behavior.
archaic period (also middle prehistoric period). A cultural manifestation and ecological adaptive
strategy dating between 8000 to 1300 B.P. on the northeastern Snake River Plain. It is divided into three
subperiods: early (8000 to 5500 B.P.), middle (5500 to 3500 B.P.), and late (3500 to 1300 B.P.). These
subperiods are based on changes in projectile point structure and form. This Archaic lifeway is
characterized by varied resource utilization, including seasonal round adaptations, big and small game
hunting, and gathering of vegetal and seed foods.
architectural property. Various types of buildings, structures, and objects serving human needs related
to the occupation and use of the land. Their function, materials, date, condition, construction methods,
and location reflect the historic activities, customs, tastes, and skills of the people who built and used
them. On the INL site, this term generally refers to post-1942 structures, buildings, and objects.
archive. A place or collection containing records, documents, or other materials of historical interest.
area of potential effect. A geographic area within which an undertaking may directly or indirectly cause
alterations in the character or use of any historic properties in the area. [36 CFR § 800.16(d)]
assemblage. A discrete collection of artifacts from a given site, stratum, or area. A group of artifacts
related to each other based upon recovery from a common archaeological context.
assessment. Evaluation of a federal project in regard to the effect it may have on cultural resources.
Under 36 CFR 800.5, assessment is defined as application of the “Criteria of Effect” (36 CFR 800.9a) in
consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office.
artifact. Any object manufactured, used, or modified by humans.
basalt. A dark-colored igneous rock of volcanic origin. Fine-textured varieties were used by prehistoric
people in stone tool manufacture in the INL region.
biface. A chipped stone artifact that has been flaked on both sides.
Boreal. Of or pertaining to northern forest areas and tundra of the North Temperate Zone and Arctic
region.
cairn. A memorial or landmark consisting of regular or irregular piles of locally available rock. Cairns are
used as trail markers or burial markers or to mark offerings, sacred places, or caches.
categorical exclusion. Refers to a category of actions under NEPA which neither individually nor
cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and for which, therefore, neither an
environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is required.
Cenozoic. The latest of four geologic eras encompassing the last 65 million years.
Clovis point. A fluted lanceolate projectile point often found at mammoth kill sites dated ca. 13,000 to
13,500 B.P. and associated with the Clovis technology, which is among the earliest known in the western
hemisphere and marks the earliest known human occupation of the INL landscape.
Cody complex. Late Paleo-Indian cultural complex dating approximately 10,500–8,800 B.P.
characterized by parallel-flaked lanceolate projectile points and tanged, asymmetric Cody knives.
complex. A term used to integrate a number of traits or items known to be associated with one another. A
temporal continuity represented by persistent configurations in single technologies or other systems of
related forms.
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