Electrical and GPR prospecting at Palo Blanco archaeological site, northwestern Argentina

Geophysics ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. B193-B199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Martino ◽  
Néstor Bonomo ◽  
Eugenia Lascano ◽  
Ana Osella ◽  
Norma Ratto
Keyword(s):  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
2D Inversion ◽  
Residential Units ◽  
Geophysical Surveys ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Age Estimates

We conducted a geophysical survey at the Palo Blanco archaeological site located in Catamarca, Argentina. Age estimates from radiocarbon dating indicate first occupation of the site around 1500 years ago. The first description of thesite was done in 1960. At that time, five residential units with different architectural arrangements were reported. These structures had different levels of deterioration caused by exposure and human activities. Some of these original structures have become completely covered by sediments. To aid in the design of efficient excavation plans, detailed maps are required to locate the buried walls. For this purpose, we conducted geophysical surveys over one of the structures. We had poor documentation about the structure at the time of the survey. Only one of the walls described in the earlier report was partially visible. We used two geophysical methods: ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity. We performed 2D inversion of the resistivity data, together with numerical GPR simulations. These helped to distinguish the expected reflection events from others, aiding in a correct interpretation of the data. Finally, we made a complementary interpretation of the resistivity and GPR data to compile a detailed map of the selected structure. We found that considering the two methods independently would have led to an incomplete map. We delineated a much more complex structure than originally expected and designed an excavation plan which was carried out. The layout of the rooms of the structure fully matched the predictions based on the interpretation used in detecting the walls and their depths. In this way, the geophysical forecasts were confirmed after excavation.

Multi-sensing geophysical surveys at the Archaeological Park of Paestum: the discovery of a small Doric temple

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilaria Catapano ◽  
Luigi Capozzoli ◽  
Giovanni Ludeno ◽  
Gianluca Gennarelli ◽  
Gregory De Martino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Heritage Management ◽  
Magnetic Characteristics ◽  
Geophysical Surveys ◽  
Earth Magnetic Field ◽  
Ground Penetrating

<p>Nowadays, non-invasive sensing technologies working at different spatial scales represent a recognized tool to support archaeological researches, because their deployment and cooperative use allow detection and localization of buried ruins before performing excavation. Therefore, they get significant advantages in planning the stratigraphic assays, while reducing costs and times, and support holistic approaches where cultural heritage management, protection and fruition aspects are considered under a unified context.</p><p>As a further example among those available in literature, this communication summarizes a successful case study carried out at the Archaeological site of Paestum, sited in the southern Italy [1].</p><p>Based on the analysis of aerial imagery and several unexpected archaeological findings, terrestrial measurement campaigns, involving magnetometer (MGA) [2] and ground penetrating radar (GPR) [3] methodologies, were carried out in the northwest quarter of the ancient city near the fortification wall and few meters away from the gate of Porta Marina. As detailed in [4], the MGA was exploited to investigate a large subsurface area in a relatively short time and allowed the identification of the most significant archaeological anomalies, by accounting for the variations of the earth magnetic field due to the different magnetic susceptibilities of construction materials and the magnetic characteristics of the shallow subsoil. The georeferenced MGA image was exploited to select the area requiring a further and more detailed survey, which was performed by means of GPR. Then, GPR data were processed by means of a microwave tomography based approach [4], which allowed a high resolution three dimensional reconstruction of buried targets starting from the electromagnetic field that they backscatter when illuminated by a known incident field. By doing so, detailed information about depth, shape, and orientation of the buried targets were retrieved and an impressive visualization of the the basement of the structure was achieved.</p><p>The area is currently under excavation and the initial discovered ruins fully confirm the hypotheses formulated on the basis of the elements found on the surface, the photo interpretations and geophysical investigations. The proposed reconstructive hypothesis of the building as a whole is a stylobate of 10.83 m x 6.80 on which 4 x 7 columns were arranged, with a significantly increased intercolumniation on the short sides (2.02 m) compared to the long sides (1.68 m).</p><p>[1] https://www.museopaestum.beniculturali.it/?lang=en</p><p>[2] A. Aspinall, C. Gaffney, A. Schmidt, A Magnetometry for archaeologists. Geophysical methods for archaeology, Altamira Press, Lanham, (2008).</p><p>[3] D. J. Daniels, Ground penetrating radar, IET, (2004).</p><p>[4] Capozzoli, L.; Catapano, I.; De Martino, G.; Gennarelli, G.; Ludeno, G.; Rizzo, E.; Soldovieri, F.; Uliano Scelza, F.; Zuchtriegel, G. The Discovery of a Buried Temple in Paestum: The Advantages of the Geophysical Multi-Sensor Application. Remote Sens. 2020, 12, 2711.</p>

scholarly journals Cooperative use of non invasive sensing methodologies for the geophysical monitoring of the archaeological park of Paestum

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Capozzoli ◽  
Francesco Soldovieri ◽  
Enzo Rizzo ◽  
Ilaria Catapano ◽  
Giovanni Ludeno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Campania Region ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Ancient City ◽  
Geophysical Surveys ◽  
Ground Penetrating

<p>The deployment of non-invasive sensing methodologies capable of providing information useful to characterize, monitor and manage archaeological sites represents a fundamental step for the conservation/preservation of cultural heritage assets. In the framework of the national project VESTA (funded by the Campania Region), several non invasive activities have been carried out for testing a novel approach of analysis including <em>in situ</em> methodologies, drone and satellite technologies.</p><p>This communication deals with a case study carried out at the monumental archaeological site of Paestum, sited in the southern Italy, where Greek settlers founded the ancient city of <em>Poseidonia</em> (6th century B.C.) [1]. At this site, geophysical surveys based on the combined use of magnetometric analyses [2], geoelectrical surveys [3] and ground-penetrating radar measurements [4] have been performed. Specifically, the areas immediately close to the temples of Ceres and Neptune have been investigated to identify unknown and buried archaeological features and characterise the paleo-morphological context. The different resolution and depth of investigations related to the application of each one of the considered methodologies as well as the use of tomographic methodologies for the data processing allowed the collection of images showing different subsurface features of the investigated area at different spatial scale. These images made possible the identification of anomalies of the subsoil, which were useful both to respond to the questions of the archaeologists and give new perspectives for managing the site. At the conference, the results of the integrated geophysical surveys, as well as their archaeological interpretation, will be presented with a focus on the cultural and social value of the “water resource” for the ancient city of <em>Poseidonia</em>.</p><p> </p><p>[1] https://www.museopaestum.beniculturali.it/?lang=en</p><p>[2] A. Aspinall, C. Gaffney, A. Schmidt, A Magnetometry for archaeologists. Geophysical methods for archaeology, Altamira Press, Lanham (2008).</p><p>[3] A. Binley, A. Kemna, DC resistivity and induced polarization methods. InHydrogeophysics Water and Science Technology Library; R. Yuram, S.S- Hubbard, S.S., Eds.; Springer: New York, NY, USA (2005).</p><p>[4] D. J. Daniels, Ground penetrating radar, IET (2004).</p>

scholarly journals ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROSPECTION IN SOUTHEASTERN PARÁ STATE, BRAZIL USING GEOPHYSICAL METHODS: A CASE STUDY OF SÍTIO DOMINGOS

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 515 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Gouvêa Luiz ◽  
Edithe Da Silva Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Main Tool ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Magnetic Anomalies ◽  
Archaeological Excavation ◽  
Archaeological Prospection ◽  
Magnetic Resistivity ◽  
Ground Penetrating

ABSTRACT. Magnetic, resistivity and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) methods were applied to Sítio Domingos, a Brazilian archaeological site located in Pará State, to find objects buried by an ancient civilization that may have inhabited the site. Archaeological excavations based on the locations of magnetic anomalies reveal a concentration of ceramic fragments and pots. The correlation between the resistivity models and the soil profile of the study area suggests that the resistivity range of 2000 to 2500 ohm-m represents the archaeological occupation layer. Several anomalous features detected by GPR are correlated with magnetic anomalies. However, when these features are analyzed independently of the magnetic anomalies, they do not conclusively represent the objects being searched. Therefore, GPR is not recommended as the main tool for archaeological prospection in the study area.Keywords: magnetometry, electrical resistivity, GPR, archaeological excavation. RESUMO. Os métodos magnético, resistividade e radar de penetração no solo (GPR) foram aplicados no Sítio Domingos, um sítio arqueológico brasileiro localizado no Estado do Pará, para encontrar objetos enterrados por uma civilização antiga que pode ter habitado a região. Escavações arqueológicas com base nos locais de anomalias magnéticas revelaram uma concentração de fragmentos de cerâmica e vasos. A correlação entre os modelos de resistividade e do perfil do solo da área de estudo sugere que a faixa de resistividade de 2000-2500 ohm-m representa a camada de ocupação arqueológica. V´arias feições anômalas detectadas pelo GPR são correlacionáveis com anomalias magnéticas. No entanto, quando essas feições são analisadas independente das anomalias magnéticas, elas não representam de forma conclusiva os objetos que est~so sendo procurados. Portanto, o GPR não é recomendado como a principal ferramenta de prospecção arqueológica na área de estudo.Palavras-chave: magnetometria, resistividade elétrica, GPR, escavação arqueológica.

Interpreting the South Flats Earthwork (20MU2): Insights Gained from Geophysical Surveys

2013 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
DONALD GAFF ◽  
LAURA SHERROD ◽  
JANET G. BRASHLER
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Internal Structure ◽  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
The South ◽  
Food Exchange ◽  
Geophysical Surveys ◽  
Ground Penetrating

ABSTRACT Michigan's prehistoric earthen enclosures are among the least understood archaeological sites in the state. This paper explores the function of the South Flats Earthwork (20MU2) using remote sensing strategies to reveal aspects of its internal structure not available through excavation. Ground penetrating radar and magnetometry were employed to explore this fragile archaeological site. Results, coupled with excavation data, suggest that South Flats was the work of a small-scale society and a locus of storage and food exchange through kin ties.

scholarly journals Integral geophysical study to characterise archaeological structures in Los Teteles De Ocotitla, Mexico

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro López-García ◽  
Denisse L. Argote-Espino ◽  
Andres Tejero-Andrade ◽  
Rene E. Chávez Segura
Keyword(s):  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
3D Modelling ◽  
Data Display ◽  
Archaeological Remains ◽  
Geophysical Study ◽  
Modelling Techniques ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Archaeological Excavations

In archaeology, geophysical methods had been applied usually in a qualitative form, limited only to the use of filters that enhance the data display. The main objective in this work is the implementation of an integral geophysical study complemented by 3D modelling techniques that allowed us to reconstruct the geometry and depth of buried bodies in the archaeological site of Los Teteles de Ocotitla, in the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico. The distribution and shape of underlying archaeological remains were inferred by geophysical methods and corroborated by archaeological excavations. Highresolution magnetic, ground penetrating radar and electric prospection were carried out in selected terraces. This investigation demonstrates the potential of quantitative geophysical methods for the characterisation of archaeological structures, in extension and depth.

scholarly journals Reading of Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) Images of Prehistoric Flint Mine; Case Study from Krzemionki Opatowskie Archaeological Site In Central Poland

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Welc ◽  
Radosław Mieszkowski ◽  
Lawrence B. Conyers ◽  
Janusz Budziszewski ◽  
Artur Jedynak
Keyword(s):  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Mining District ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Central Poland ◽  
Geophysical Surveys ◽  
Prehistoric Mining ◽  
Ground Penetrating

Abstract Geophysical surveys conducted in order to map tunnels and vertical shafts at the Neolithic chert mining field Krzemionki used a ground-penetrating radar(GPR to test hypotheses regarding orientation, depth and subsurface complexity of these voids.Using two-dimensional reflection profiles the vertical shafts, now mostly filled with lithic debris, were easily visible. Amplitude mapping visualized debris at shaft margins as well as a collapsed material inside the voids. Some shallower horizontal tunnels were also visible as sub-horizontal planar reflections generated from both ceiling and floors of these void spaces. Extension of these interpretations to un-mapped areas of the ancient mining district and complexity of these prehistoric mining features could be examined to determine excavation intensity and exploitation techniques used during the Neolithic.

scholarly journals Applicability of Ground Penetrating Radar on desert archaeological sites: a case study from the Saqqara necropolis in Egypt

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Welc ◽  
Radosław Mieszkowski ◽  
Sebastian Kowalczyk ◽  
Jerzy Trzciński
Keyword(s):  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Clay Fraction ◽  
Mineralogical Composition ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Geological Structure ◽  
Horizontal Resolution ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Depth Range ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Ground Penetrating

Abstract This paper presents the preliminary results of ground penetrating radar sounding applied at the desert archaeological site in Saqqara (Egypt). The survey was carried out in 2012 within a project realized by Institute of Archaeology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw and the Faculty of Geology, University of Warsaw. One of the key aims of the research was testing the application of ground penetrating radar to non-invasive surveys of desert archaeological sites. Radargrams obtained for area of so called the Dry Moat channel surrounding the Step Pyramid complex have shown the geological structure of its filling. It comprises among others debris-sand conglomerate of diluval origin characterized by a significant content of the clay fraction and clay minerals. Such lithological content strongly attenuate the propagation of EM waves, restricting the depth range of the GPR survey. The conducted geophysical prospection west to the Step Pyramid in Saqqara has confirmed the high applicability of the GPR method in non-invasive studies of vast architectural structures, such as the monumental ditch surrounding the Step Pyramid known as the Dry Moat. It should summarised that high horizontal resolution obtained during GPR survey is a result of local geological structure of the searched area, i.e. strong lithological contrast of the sediments filling the Dry Moat, which, depending on their mineralogical composition

scholarly journals Ground penetrating radar detection of subsnow slush on ice-covered lakes in interior Alaska

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 1435-1443 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Gusmeroli ◽  
G. Grosse
Keyword(s):  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
Water Harvesting ◽  
Lake Ice ◽  
Wet Snow ◽  
Dry Conditions ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Ice Water

Abstract. Lakes are abundant throughout the pan-Arctic region. For many of these lakes ice cover lasts for up to two thirds of the year. The frozen cover allows human access to these lakes, which are therefore used for many subsistence and recreational activities, including water harvesting, fishing, and skiing. Safe traveling condition onto lakes may be compromised, however, when, after significant snowfall, the weight of the snow acts on the ice and causes liquid water to spill through weak spots and overflow at the snow-ice interface. Since visual detection of subsnow slush is almost impossible our understanding on overflow processes is still very limited and geophysical methods that allow water and slush detection are desirable. In this study we demonstrate that a commercially available, lightweight 1 GHz, ground penetrating radar system can detect and map extent and intensity of overflow. The strength of radar reflections from wet snow-ice interfaces are at least twice as much in strength than returns from dry snow-ice interface. The presence of overflow also affects the quality of radar returns from the base of the lake ice. During dry conditions we were able to profile ice thickness of up to 1 m, conversely, we did not retrieve any ice-water returns in areas affected by overflow.

Effectiveness of Geophysical Methods in Calcareous Harbor Fills

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Horst G. Brandes
Keyword(s):  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Fill Material ◽  
Object Locations ◽  
Ground Penetrating

The effectiveness of electromagnetic (EM), ground penetrating radar (GPR) and seismic refraction (SR) were evaluated by surveying a shallow trench in which a number of objects of varying composition and size were buried. The trench was excavated in granular calcareous fill material. An experienced geophysical contractor was asked to provide blind predictions of object locations using each of the techniques in turn. GPR with a 400 MHz antenna was the most successful, followed by SR and EM surveying. GPR and SR were also carried out at the port of Hilo to investigate complex subsurface conditions.

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.

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