I read that the solum often contains red zones or gradations of red from
organic leaching through the soil from the humus and duff, so it might be
difficult to decide, unless one was very sure about previous combustion
effects. This is what I have observed in the Plymouth series soils anyway,
mostly in the Northeast.

George Myers


----- Original Message -----
From: "Eleanor Breen" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: 6 April 2004 Tuesday 15:06
Subject: Examples of Fire Reddening


> Hello Histarchers: I have a question about
> heat-altered or fire-reddening of subsoil.  At a site
> where the floor level is know, in your experience,
> what is the distance between heat source (hearth,
> etc.) and the discolored soil?  In other words, how
> far above grade can the heat source/floor level be and
> still have fire reddening of the soil?  Does the
> presence of brick lining the heat source transmit heat
> better, thereby causing more extensive soil reddening?
>  We are interested in both the depth and horizontal
> extent of the heat alteration.  We are trying to
> figure out if distance between floor surface and
> heat-altered subsoil can be inferred by the extent of
> soil reddening.
>
> Thanks, Eleanor Breen
>
> Assistant Archaeologist
> Historic Mount Vernon
>
>
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