.bk J03
.fl P827jW.j
.fd daily journal P827 -wk,-sf,-sr,k103,k104
.fn corrections and additions made by jW on Q415
.ei jW
.ed P827
.rd P827
.ri jW

-wk Three picks and six in support reported for work.

-sf gM worked at home processing data and finishing Harris Matrices for features 1-50.  In the late afternoon, geologist Dr. Christian Fischer, lectured on the identification and characteristics of stones used for tools and decorative objects.

-sr gB, mKB, and faB met with jW, gM and rE to conduct a stratigraphic review of the excavations to date.  We were able to accomplish this using the J3 Urkesh Global Record which was compiled with all data collected to this date.  Data from each category was displayed and reviewed, including templates.  Generally, gB, mKB, and faB were pleased with what we had done to date and the rationale we used to make and justify our stratigraphic assignment for each feature.  Making and justifying the assignments in the field is essential for understanding how the site was formed, a function that is severely impeded if done for the entire season at the end of the excavation.  faB discussed the interaction of the Contact Associations and the standard Harris Matrix which displays relative time of deposition.  Also we need to intgrate the strata with the display of features.  Generally, with respect to the UGR, it will have to be carefully reviewed after excavations stop for completeness and duplicate entries removed.  However, gB cautioned against removing differing observations and conclusions, which are useful in demonstrating how our understanding of the stratigraphic relationships evolved.  Finally gB suggested that for each feature we identify a "best view", code B12, for each feature to convey a more complete understanding of it to a reader unfamiliar with the site.  gM's templates will be extraordinarily useful for doing this.

k 103
dy We are concentrating on excavating the one-meter wide ledge along the S baulk to an elevation of 9000.  This is the first of several steps down at two meter changes in elevation.  We are excavating the ledge first so that we have a place to put the elevator.  At the end of the day we were within 15cm of finishing.

k 104
dy We continued to excavate the accumulation, f57, under the layer of bakhia, f50, which forms the ancient top of the terrace.  Near the end of the day we encountered another layer of bakhia, f58, under f57.