|
Geophysical Instruments for Archaeological Survey
|
|
|
The superior tool for non-invasive high-speed, high sensitivity archaeological reconnaissance: the Geometrics Cesium Magnetometer system.
With a typical sampling rate of 10 Hz (corresponding to 1 reading every 10 cm) and operating at 1 to 2 m per second survey speed, vast areas can be rapidly surveyed to locate areas of interest. Hearths, human habitation sites, graves, privies, foundation walls, burned structural poles and rocks used for construction materials are just a few of the archaeological targets that are detectable at significant depth with the Geometrics Cesium Magnetometer
|
|
|
|
A bronze-age burial feature (barrow) in Ireland; positive (white) anomalies around the perimeter are additional graves, and anomalies within the circle are evidence of "modern" excavations.
Data courtesy: Archaeogeophysics
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Another valuable companion tool for archaeological exploration is the Geometrics OhmMapper, a capacitively-coupled resistivity meter that measures the electrical properties of soil without the cumbersome ground stakes used in traditional resistivity surveys. Data collection is fast (2 Hz) so the survey can be conducted at walking or ATV speeds. Near surface conductivity changes due to habitation or construction disturbances can easily be acquired over large areas for economic reconnaissance surveys.
|
|
|
This image was taken over a suspected Roman Amphitheater in England. The survey used multiple parallel lines with a single Tx/Rx separation to perform a fast reconnaissance of the area. Although the site was not yet excavated, the circular feature shown indicates the presence of amphitheater walls.
|
|
|
Case Study #1
Case Study #2
Case Study #3
|
