A possible bedrock source for obsidian found in archeological sites in northwestern Alaska

W. W. Patton; T. P. Miller

doi:10.1126/science.169.3947.760

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A possible bedrock source for obsidian found in archeological sites in northwestern Alaska

W. W. Patton·T. P. Miller

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Abstract

Recently discovered deposits of obsidian in the Koyukuk valley may be the long-sought-for source of obsidian found in archeological sites in northwestern Alaska. Obsidian from these deposits compares favorably in physical characteristics and sodium-manganese ratio with the archeological obsidian, and there is evidence that the deposits have been "mined" in the past.

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Source-reported bounding extent: 64.786951001911° to 65.37889017296513° latitude; -158.73534173038752° to -156.94743388815996° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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W. W. Patton, T. P. Miller. 1970. A possible bedrock source for obsidian found in archeological sites in northwestern Alaska. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.169.3947.760

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