Katherine A. Adelsberger
       Douglas and Maria Bayer Faculty Chair in Earth Sciences
         Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Studies
         Knox College
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Current Research

Jordan

As a co-director of the Dhiban Excavation and Development Project (DEDP) I am interested in understanding the landscape history of the area surrounding Tall Dhiban, in central Jordan, where marginal soils and arid conditions have made subsistence a challenge for hundreds of years. Occupation at the site dates back to the Bronze Age, indicating that people have found ways to manage water resources and agricultural needs despite these environmental difficulties. 

Students interested in participating in the DEDP field school during the summer should contact myself or Professor Fatkin at Knox College.    








   
                    
        
                   







       


Egypt

In Dakhleh Oasis, in the Western Desert of Egypt, I am examining the sedimentology and geochemistry of Quaternary spring mounds as part of the Dakhleh Oasis Project and the NYU excavations at Amheida.  These features are recovery sites for Paleolithic archaeological materials and represent groundwater discharge in an area dominated by pluvial carbonate sediments.  Understanding spring mound formation and activation provides us with a picture of the paleoenvironmental conditions present during early human use of this area while clarifying the role of groundwater discharge in the hydrologic history of the basin.

Students interested in the history of Egypt and the archaeology of Amheida may apply to study abroad during Spring semester with New York University's Archaeology and History in Egypt program. 














Illinois

Knox's Green Oaks Field Station has been the site of GPS and soil studies aimed at understanding the recovery of post-reclamation strip mine soils, as well as local hydrology.  In addition, GIS-based investigations of local food deserts are currently underway, and may serve as a resource for local community groups working to improve the health and nutrition in the Galesburg area.