In  geology and archaeology, dark earth is a substratum, up to 1 meter (3.1 feet) thick, that indicates settlement over long periods of time. The material is high in organic matter, including charcoal, which gives it its characteristic dark colour; it may also contain fragments of pottery, tile, animal bone and other artefacts.
In geology and archaeology, dark earth refers to a layer of soil, up to 1 meter (3.1 feet) deep, that signifies long-term human settlement. It is rich in organic matter like charcoal, giving it its dark color. The layer may also contain remnants of pottery, tiles, animal bones, and other artifacts.