Abstract
This thesis utilizes a combination of landform and soil data and a GIS model to analyze
previous subsurface reconnaissance data within the Tipton Till Plain region of Indiana. Survey
areas are analyzed according to their location within drainages as well as on their individual
surface and subsurface soil characteristics. Additionally, measurements of the valley width at the
investigation area and upstream are collected and considered. Soils are also analyzed as a ratio of
their individual impermeability in relation to the impermeability of upstream soils. Soil
taxonomy and drainage characteristics are analyzed along with the effects stream order and
proximity to water have on the potential for an area to contain buried deposits. The conclusion
drawn is that comparisons of the permeability of individual drainage basins in relation to the
larger drainage basin is not a reliable method of predicting the potential for site burial. The
relationship between the valley width at the point of investigation in relation to valley width
upstream was analyzed with a weak correlation between valley width stability and the potential
for buried deposits. Soil drainage and taxonomic classification analysis appear to show where
buried deposits are not likely to be encountered. The analyses of stream order and proximity to
water did not reveal any significant differences in the potential for encountering buried deposits.
It is recommended that the current guidelines for recommending subsurface investigation should
be followed more strictly.