Which factor is NOT considered a part of archaeological context?

The correct choice identifies a factor that is not considered part of archaeological context. Archaeological context refers to the relationship of artifacts and features within their setting, encompassing how and where they were found. This includes the deposition of artifacts, which concerns how and why the items ended up in their specific location, as well as environmental conditions at the time of burial, which can significantly influence preservation and the understanding of the scope of the archaeological record.

Spatial relationships of artifacts are fundamental to understanding the layout of a site and the interactions between different components within it. This spatial arrangement can provide insight into past human behaviors and social organization.

On the other hand, while natural disasters can certainly impact the process of excavation, they do not pertain directly to the archaeological context itself. The context is concerned with relationships and conditions at the time artifacts were deposited and how they exist in relation to one another, rather than external factors like disasters that may affect the excavation process later on. Thus, the influence of natural disasters on excavation does not fit within the formal parameters of archaeological context itself.