Shell mounds are archaeological sites that are composed of large amounts of shell debris. These mounds were created by Native American tribes who inhabited coastal regions and relied heavily on seafood for their diets. Other terms for shell mounds include shell heaps, shell middens, and shell mounds. These terms all refer to the same types of archaeological sites and are used interchangeably. The size and composition of these mounds vary depending on the geographical location and time period in which they were created. They provide valuable information about the dietary, cultural, and social patterns of Native American tribes in coastal regions of the United States.