Investigating Geometrical Granite Landscapes: A Comparative Framework, with Case Studies from California and Montana

Granite landscapes can sometimes mimic human construction with features like planar faces, right-angle intersections, and stepped terraces. While some of these forms are naturally occurring due to joint-controlled weathering, others may indicate human modification. This study introduces a comparative framework to distinguish between natural and anthropogenic origins, using an eight-category morphological typology (Types A-H) applied to case studies from California (Three Rivers and Kirch Flat) and Montana, alongside global comparanda such as Sardinia, Great Zimbabwe, and Yosemite. The research avoids definitive conclusions about the sites' origins but highlights their significance for future investigation. By defining testable predictions and operational classification thresholds, it provides a method to systematically analyze granite landforms, bridging geological processes and archaeological inquiry.

Osmanagich, S. (2026). Investigating Geometrical Granite Landscapes: A Comparative Framework, with Case Studies from California and Montana. Archaeological Discovery, 14(04), 253–287. https://doi.org/10.4236/ad.2026.144014