Integrating Remote Sensing and Indigenous Archaeology to Locate Unmarked Graves

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
William T. D. Wadsworth ◽  
Kisha Supernant ◽  
Ave Dersch ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Indigenous Archaeology ◽  
Community Needs ◽  
Geophysical Techniques ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Survey Methodologies ◽  
Burial Grounds

Abstract Archaeologists have long been called on to use geophysical techniques to locate unmarked graves in both archaeological and forensic contexts. Although these techniques—primarily ground-penetrating radar (GPR)—have demonstrated efficacy in this application, there are fewer examples of studies driven by Indigenous community needs. In North America, the location of ancestors and burial grounds is a priority for most Indigenous communities. We argue that when these Indigenous voices are equitably included in research design, the practice of remote sensing changes and more meaningful collaborations ensue. Drawing on Indigenous archaeology and heart-centered practices, we argue that remote-sensing survey methodologies, and the subsequent narratives produced, need to change. These approaches change both researchers’ and Indigenous communities’ relationships to the work and allow for the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) in interpretation. In this article, we discuss this underexplored research trajectory, explain how it relates to modern GPR surveys for unmarked graves, and present the results from a survey conducted at the request of the Chipewyan Prairie First Nation. Although local in nature, we discuss potential benefits and challenges of Indigenous remote sensing collaborations, and we engage larger conversations happening in Indigenous communities around the ways these methods can contribute to reconciliation and decolonization.

Identification, investigation and classification of surface depressions and chalk dissolution features using integrated LiDAR and geophysical methods

2020 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 620-644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoe Elizabeth Jeffery ◽  
Stephen Penn ◽  
David Peter Giles ◽  
Linley Hastewell
Keyword(s):  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Image Interpretation ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Aerial Photographs ◽  
Geophysical Techniques ◽  
Karstic Features ◽  
Ground Penetrating

The chalk bedrock of the Hampshire Basin, southern England is an important aquifer and is highly susceptible to dissolution, making the development and presence of karstic features a widespread occurrence. These features are hazardous because they provide possible pathways to the underlying aquifer and therefore present potential site-specific contamination risks. There is also evidence of extensive extraction, through both mining and surface quarrying, of chalk, flint and clay over many centuries. Geophysical techniques consisting of electromagnetic (EM31) and ground-penetrating radar surveys were used to identify and characterize target features identified from desk study data. The ground-penetrating radar and EM31 interpretations allowed the classification of non-anthropogenic target features, such as diffuse buried sinkholes with disturbed and subsiding clay-rich infill and varying symmetrical and asymmetrical morphologies. We describe here the investigations of such features identified at Holme Farm, Stansted House, Hampshire. The combination of EM31 data and ground-penetrating radar profiles facilitated the identification of a palaeovalley, cavities and irregular rockhead. This investigation identified locations of aquifer contamination risk as some sinkholes have been sites for the illegal dumping of waste or the infiltration of fertilizers, leaking sewage pipes or animal waste. This potential source of contamination utilizes the sinkhole as a pathway into the highly transmissive White Chalk Subgroup of Hampshire and has caused contamination of the aquifer. We conclude that our integrated approach of geophysical techniques linked to aerial photographs and LiDAR image interpretation was highly effective in the location and characterization of dissolution structures, infilled former quarries and mining features at this site.

scholarly journals Formation of band ogives and associated structures at Bas Glacier d’Arolla, Valais, Switzerland

2002 ◽  
Vol 48 (161) ◽  
pp. 287-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Becky Goodsell ◽  
Michael J. Hambrey ◽  
Neil F. Glasser
Keyword(s):  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Glacier Surface ◽  
Glacier Tongue ◽  
Basal Ice ◽  
Planar Structures ◽  
Geophysical Techniques ◽  
Reverse Faulting ◽  
Ground Penetrating

AbstractStructural glaciological, sedimentological and geophysical techniques are used to provide new insight concerning the formation of band ogives and associated structures at Bas Glacier d’Arolla, Switzerland. Sedimentary stratification, crevasse traces and transverse foliation are identified as planar structures in the lower icefall and glacier tongue. Stratification and crevasse traces are progressively deformed into, and enhance, the transverse foliation found in the glacier tongue. Three-dimensional geometry has been defined using ground-penetrating radar, which portrays four main characteristics: (i) deep reflectors interpreted as the ice/bed interface, (ii) alternating reflection-rich and reflection-poor zones interpreted as ogives, (iii) up-glacier-dipping reflectors, interpreted as planar structures, and (iv) down-glacier-dipping reflectors of uncertain origin. At the glacier surface, each band ogive consists of a light and dark band. The dark bands contain more intense foliation which, on differential weathering, traps fine debris. Clasts and clear ice of basal character within dark ogive bands suggest that basal ice has been raised to the glacier surface. The most applicable model for the formation of band ogives at Bas Glacier d’Arolla is a refinement of Posamentier’s (1978) “reverse faulting” hypothesis. In this context, multiple shear zones are formed, through which basal ice is uplifted to the glacier surface to produce the dark, foliated ogive bands. This model fits observations reported from other glaciers with band ogives.

scholarly journals Remote Sensing Materials for a Preliminary Archaeological Evaluation of the Giove Countryside (Terni, Italy)

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 2023 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pier Matteo Barone ◽  
Elizabeth Wueste ◽  
Richard Hodges
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ◽  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
American University ◽  
Archaeological Prospection ◽  
Tiber River ◽  
Aerial Vehicle ◽  
University Of Rome ◽  
Ground Penetrating

A collaboration between the American University of Rome, the Municipality of Giove, and Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio dellʼUmbria has resulted in an academic project aimed at a preliminary evaluation of a particular area along the Tiber river that straddles the border between Umbria and Lazio. Archaeological prospection methods, such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based remote sensing, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and photogrammetry, have made it possible to better study the landscape with respect to not only the changes the area has undergone recently, but also its evolution during the Roman and Medieval periods, while keeping the main communication route represented by the Tiber river as its fulcrum.

scholarly journals Identificando áreas de actividad a través del uso de GPR en la costa del Soconusco

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 ◽  
pp. 41-63
Author(s):  
Marx Navarro Castillo ◽  
Hector Neff
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Ceramic Production ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Important Data ◽  
Low Visibility ◽  
Remote Sensing Techniques ◽  
Ground Penetrating

This article is focused on the importance of remote sensing techniques for archaeological studies, specifically LiDAR, and geophysics techniques, such as ground penetrating radar (GPR). The use of LiDAR has become popular in the last ten years and its use in forested places has been very effective despite the low visibility. In the case of GPR, it is generally used in those places where evidence of structure remains can be found. However, in the sites identified by the Project Costa del Soconusco there are no buildings with these characteristics, but their usefulness for the identification of areas of ceramic production have been decisive for the development of our study. These techniques have provided important data that has allowed us to know more about the settlements located in the eastern region of Soconusco.

Detection of voids behind segments in the shield tunnels by using Ground Penetrating Radar

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hai Liu ◽  
JianYing Lin ◽  
Xu Meng ◽  
Yanliang Du
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Field Experiment ◽  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Center Frequency ◽  
Concrete Lining ◽  
Shield Tunnel ◽  
Reverse Time ◽  
Reverse Time Migration ◽  
Time Migration ◽  
Ground Penetrating

<p><em>Abstract—</em>Metro traffic in subsurface tunnels is under a rapid development in many cities in the recent decades. However, the voids and other concealed defects inside and/or behind the tunnel lining pose critical threat to the safety of the operating metro tunnels. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a non-destructive geophysical technique by transmitting electromagnetic (EM) waves and receiving the reflected signals. GPR has proved its capability in the detection of the existence of tunnel structural defects and anomalies. However, the voids are still hard to be recognized in a GPR image due to the strong scattering clutter caused by the dense steel bars reinforced inside the concrete lining [1]. In this paper, we analyze the propagations of EM waves through reinforce concrete segments of shield tunnels by finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations and model test.  Firstly, a series of simulations results we have done, indicates that the center frequency of GPR ranges from 400 MHz to 600 MHz has a good penetration through the densely reinforced concrete lining. And the distance between the antennas and the surface of shield tunnel segments should be less than 0.2 m to ensure a good coupling of incident electromagnetic energy into the concrete structure. Then, to image the geometric features of the void behind the segment, reverse-time migration method is applied to the simulated GPR B-scan profile, which presents higher resolution results than the results by using the traditional diffraction stack migration (Figure 1) [2]. Finally, the field experiment results prove that a commercial GPR system operating at a center frequency of 600 MHz do detect a void behind the shield tunnel (Figure 2). The reflection from the void, which starts from the back interface of the segments and lasts over 20 ns, are significantly different from the reflections from the rebars (Figure 3). In summary, GPR has potential in the detection of voids behind the shield tunnel segment. More simulations and field experiments will be performed in the future.</p><p>Keywords—ground penetrating radar (GPR); shield tunnel; voids; reverse time migration (RTM)</p><p>Acknowledgement—this work was supported by Shenzhen Science and Technology program (grant number:KQTD20180412181337494).</p><p><img src="https://contentmanager.copernicus.org/fileStorageProxy.php?f=gnp.5ecbddc6f70069664311161/sdaolpUECMynit/12UGE&app=m&a=0&c=eb6a5ae55b4b24b5585021db0e5ca760&ct=x&pn=gnp.elif&d=1" alt=""></p><p>Fig. 1 Numerical simulation of two segments of 2D shield tunnel. (a) numerical model, (b) simulated GPR B-scan profile, (c) migrated profile by using diffraction stack migration and (d) migrated profile by using reverse-time migration.</p><p><img src="https://contentmanager.copernicus.org/fileStorageProxy.php?f=gnp.659ecbe6f70069964311161/sdaolpUECMynit/12UGE&app=m&a=0&c=07531c033a4f74c3a8e3ac1f5f47316c&ct=x&pn=gnp.elif&d=1" alt=""></p><p>Fig. 2 One photo of the field experiment.</p><p><img src="https://contentmanager.copernicus.org/fileStorageProxy.php?f=gnp.d7c12807f70068274311161/sdaolpUECMynit/12UGE&app=m&a=0&c=dd5c073fd4c06a9fd77db502c1d017f2&ct=x&pn=gnp.elif&d=1" alt=""></p><p>Fig. 3 GPR reflections from a void behind the segment of a subway tunnel</p><p>References</p><p>[1]     H. Liu, H. Lu, J. Lin, F. Han, C. Liu, J. Cui, B. F. Spencer, “Penetration Properties of Ground Penetrating Radar Waves through Rebar Grids” , IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters ( <strong>DOI:</strong> 10.1109/LGRS.2020.2995670)</p><p>[2]          H. Liu, Z. Long, F. Han, G. Fang, Q. H. Liu, “Frequency-Domain Reverse-Time Migration of Ground Penetrating Radar Based on Layered Medium Green's Functions”, IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing, vol. 11, no. 08, pp. 2957-2965, 2018.</p><p> </p>

Geophysical Survey on the Coast of Peru: The Early Prehispanic City of Gallinazo Group in the Viru Valley

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 239-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-François Millaire ◽  
Edward Eastaugh
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
South America ◽  
Detailed Analysis ◽  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Urban Morphology ◽  
Geophysical Survey ◽  
Urban Center ◽  
Urban Architecture ◽  
Multifaceted Approach ◽  
Ground Penetrating

Recent geophysical survey at the early urban center of the Gallinazo Group in the Virú Valley highlights the potential for a multifaceted approach to remote sensing on the desert coast of South America and underscores the value of these well-established techniques for the rapid and detailed mapping of complex urban architecture. The Gallinazo Group (100 B.C.-A.D. 700) was an early city home to a population of between 10,000 and 14,400 people living in a network of agglutinated houses, plazas, public buildings, and alleyways. In 2008, detailed analysis of the site was undertaken, integrating traditional excavation techniques, soil coring, magnetometry, and ground-penetrating radar to gain a better understanding of the urban morphology of the site. The results of this fieldwork were extremely successful, with large areas of the urban layout being mapped in great detail. This article presents results from our survey, highlighting the potentials and limitations of each technique.

Planform and stratigraphic signature of proximal braided streams: remote-sensing and ground-penetrating-radar analysis of the Kicking Horse River, Canadian Rocky Mountains

2020 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-149
Author(s):  
Natasha N. Cyples ◽  
Alessandro Ielpi ◽  
Randy W. Dirszowsky
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Braided Rivers ◽  
Continental Divide ◽  
Channel Belt ◽  
Braided Streams ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Ground Penetrating

ABSTRACT Braided rivers have accumulated a dominant fraction of the terrestrial sedimentary record, and yet their morphodynamics in proximal intermountain reaches are still not fully documented—a shortcoming that hampers a full understanding of sediment fluxes and stratigraphic preservation in proximal-basin tracts. Located in the eastern Canadian Cordillera near the continental divide, the Kicking Horse River is an iconic stream that has served as a model for proximal-braided rivers since the 1970s. Legacy work on the river was based solely on ground observations of small, in-channel bars; here we integrate field data at the scale of individual bars to the entire channel belt with time-lapse remote sensing and ground-penetrating-radar (GPR) imaging, in order to produce a more sophisticated morphodynamic model for the river. Cyclical discharge fluctuations related to both diurnal and seasonal variations in melt-water influx control the planform evolution and corresponding stratigraphic signature of trunk channels, intermittently active anabranch channels, and both bank-attached and mid-channel bars. Three-dimensional GPR fence diagrams of compound-bar complexes are built based on the identification of distinct radar facies related to: i) accretion and migration of unit bars, ii) both downstream and lateral outbuilding of bar-slip foresets; iii) buildup of bedload sheets, iv) channel avulsion, and v) accretion of mounded bars around logs or outsized clasts. Trends observed downstream-ward include decreases in gradient and grain size decreases, trunk-channel shrinkage, intensified avulsion (with increase in abundance for anabranch channels), and a shift from high-relief to low-relief bar topography. The integration of ground sedimentology, time-lapse remote sensing, and GPR imaging demonstrates that proximal-braided streams such as the Kicking Horse River can be critically compared to larger systems located farther away from their source uplands despite obvious scale differences.

scholarly journals Shallow Geophysical Techniques to Investigate the Groundwater Table at the Giza Pyramids Area, Giza, Egypt

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharafeldin M. Sharafeldin ◽  
Khalid S. Essa ◽  
Mohamed A. S. Youssef ◽  
Zein E. Diab
Keyword(s):  
Water Table ◽  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Groundwater Table ◽  
High Resistivity ◽  
Electrical Resistivity Imaging ◽  
Shallow Seismic ◽  
Geophysical Techniques ◽  
Electrical Resistivities ◽  
Ground Penetrating

Abstract. Geophysical studies were performed along selected locations across the Pyramids Plateau to investigate the groundwater table and the near aquifer, which harmfully affected the existed monuments of the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx. Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI), Shallow Seismic Refraction (SSR) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) techniques were carried out along selected profiles in the plateau. Ten ERI, twenty six SSR and nineteen GPR profiles were performed at the sites. The ERI survey shows that, the groundwater table is at elevations varying from 13 to 18 m above the sea level (asl) and low resistivity values near the surface at the Great Sphinx. ERI profiles, which were applied southeast of the Middle Pyramid (Khafre), show high resistivity values near the surface, and water table is located at elevations ranging from 22 to 40 m asl, while the ERI profiles conducted south of Menkaure, show almost high resistivity near the surface. The groundwater table is located at elevations ranging between 45 and 58 m asl. The aquifer layer shows electrical resistivities ranging between 10 and 50 Ohm.m. The considerable high change in the groundwater table is due to the rapid increases of topography from the Great Sphinx towards the Small Pyramids (Menkaure), where this part looks-like a scarp. The SSR Survey is transmitted to know the different velocities and types of the layers, which can help in knowing the saturated layers in the area. The GPR Survey is performed to delineate the water table, which gives good matching with the ERI results.

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