During May 2011, an archaeological survey was conducted in the Bedouin settlement of Abu Karinat near ‘Aro‘er Junction in the Negev (License No. S-277/2011; map ref. 1975–83/5610–20), prior to the construction. The survey, undertaken on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and underwritten by the Abu Basma Regional Council, was performed by N.S. Paran and F. Sonntag, with the assistance of S. Gal (GPS).
The survey region is located in a valley at the foot of Tel ‘Aro‘er in the Nahal ‘Aro‘er flood plain that is characterized by clay alluvium. The local residents extensively cultivated the land in the modern era; hence, most of the region is disturbed.
No archaeological sites were discovered in the survey. A well (Fig 1:1; map ref. 198308/561707; diam. c. 3.5 m, depth to water level c. 6 m) is located east of the survey limits.