Debate: Should we keep artifacts in situ or dig them up fast?

I was at a community lecture last night in Austin. An old professor from UT said we should leave most stuff buried. Let future tech dig it up better. But a field archaeologist argued back. She said erosion and looters destroy sites fast. She lost a whole mound site in Mississippi in 3 years to river flooding. I see both sides. Wait and risk losing it forever. Dig now and risk missing context. What do you all think is the right call for a site under threat?

3 comments

3 Comments

margaret_williams52mo ago

@the_piper Dig fast, lose it for good either way.

mila_flores81mo ago

@the_piper, document everything 3D then decide based on urgency.

the_piper2mo ago

Man, a whole mound site gone in just three years? That's crazy fast.