Preserving Holocaust History: Geophysical Investigations at the Ponary (Paneriai) Extermination Site

Geophysics ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-47
Author(s):  
Alastair McClymont ◽  
paul bauman ◽  
Richard A. Freund ◽  
Jon Seligman ◽  
Harry M. Jol ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Jewish People ◽  
Eyewitness Testimony ◽  
Mass Grave ◽  
Mass Graves ◽  
Site Layout ◽  
Elevation Data ◽  
Geophysical Investigations ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Historical Photographs

Holocaust mass grave sites in eastern Europe can be difficult to investigate due to a paucity of historical documentation relating to the events and because using traditional invasive archaeology methods raises concerns around the disturbance of the remains of Jewish people. When combined with other lines of evidence, including historic photos and eyewitness testimony, non-invasive geophysical methods help to effectively identify and demarcate buried features at Holocaust sites, limiting unnecessary excavations. Between 1941 and 1944, as many as 100,000 people were murdered at the Ponary (Paneriai) extermination site in Lithuania, but many critical details of the site layout during this period are still to be resolved, including the location of some of the mass graves and confirmation of an escape tunnel that was used by slave labourers to escape captivity and certain death at the site. In this study, we show how a combination of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profiling, limited ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data, and bare-earth elevation data (from a light and distance ranging (LiDAR) dataset) were used to confirm the location of a large unmarked mass grave with a diameter of ~25 metres and depth of ~4 metres. Additional ERT profiling at a second location imaged the entrance to an escape tunnel previously uncovered by an archaeological excavation in 2004, and detected a ~5 metre section of the continuation of the tunnel, approximately 33 metres away from the tunnel entrance. The geophysical results are supported by evidence from limited archaeological excavations, historical photographs, eyewitness descriptions of the site layout, and testimonies from the few survivors who managed to escape Ponary.

Detecting fold structures at the southern flank of the Neogene Vienna Basin in eastern Austria using near-subsurface geophysical methods

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. SY13-SY26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Werner Chwatal ◽  
Hermann Häusler ◽  
Ingrid Kreutzer ◽  
Jürgen Scheibz ◽  
Friedrich Steirer
Keyword(s):  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Vienna Basin ◽  
Resistivity Tomography ◽  
Investigation Area ◽  
Uppermost Layer ◽  
Geophysical Investigations ◽  
Eastern Austria ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Southern Flank

At the southern flank of the Vienna Basin, spectacular fold structures were exposed in the former Steinbrunn sand pit. The succession of Upper Pannonian age consists of decimeter- to meter-thick sandy, silty, and clayey beds, which are overlain by sandstone beds. Previously, these fold structures have been interpreted differently as of tectonic but also gravitational origin. To gain a more detailed insight into the 3D distribution and orientation of the folds, high-resolution geophysics such as electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and electromagnetics (EM) were applied for mapping the subsurface in the surroundings of the sand pit. The EM results found that the uppermost layer was more clayey northwest and sandier southeast of the sand pit. To directly compare ERT and GPR results with the lithology of the fold structures observed in the sand pit, reference profiles behind the wall of the sand pit were performed. Both methods clearly revealed fold structures parallel to the folded Pannonian strata of the outcrop. Although the GPR data displayed boundaries between sandy and clayey sediments, and thus clearly imaged the fold geometry of the succession, the resistivities in the ERT profiles portrayed a smoother image. Almost all GPR profiles revealed wavelike structures with axes in the southeastern direction and dome-shaped structures with axes in the southwestern direction, deepening toward the west. This pattern was comparable with the sections of rounded buckle folds, which underlie almost the entire investigation area of approximately [Formula: see text] in size. Compared with fold structures as documented from a neighboring abandoned coal mine, the geophysical investigations around the Steinbrunn sand pit supported the hypothesis of a tectonic origin, formed by simple buckling of a planar surface and its confining volume along the southeastern flank of the Vienna Basin in Plio/Pleistocene times.

scholarly journals Geophysical identification of voids and loosened zones in the shallow subsurface of post-mining areas

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 ◽  
pp. 01001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zenon Pilecki
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Ore Deposits ◽  
Hard Coal ◽  
Shallow Subsurface ◽  
Mining Areas ◽  
Upper Silesian Coal Basin ◽  
Discontinuous Deformation ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Terrain Surface

The shallow historic exploitation of Zn-Pb/Fe ore deposits as well as hard coal has generated many discontinuous deformations on the terrain surface in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin/Poland. Discontinuous deformations occur in different forms as sinkholes, synclines, cracks, faults or ditches. The basic cause of their occurrence is the presence of void and loosened zones in the shallow subsurface. If the appropriate conditions arise, the sinkhole process begins to move upwards and may cause a discontinuous deformation on the terrain surface. Typically, geophysical methods are used for void and loosened zone identification. The most effective methods are gravimetric, seismic, electric resistivity and ground penetrating radar (GPR). Geophysical testing, requires distinct changes in the physical properties in the rock mass. The identified geophysical anomalies should be verified by control borehole and borehole tests to confirm the presence of the void and loosened zones in the rock mass. The results of control drilling and borehole tests determine the need to apply treatment works. In order to assess the threat of the occurrence of discontinuous deformations in the areas of historical shallow mining in Upper Silesia, a classification system based on geophysical tests has also been developed.

scholarly journals Multi-Parametric Imaging of Etruscan Chamber Tombs: Grotte Di Castro Case Study (Italy)

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (17) ◽  
pp. 7875
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Sapia ◽  
Valerio Materni ◽  
Federico Florindo ◽  
Marco Marchetti ◽  
Andrea Gasparini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Resistivity Tomography ◽  
Resistivity Method ◽  
Method Integration ◽  
Radar Measurements ◽  
Soil Measurements ◽  
Ground Penetrating

A multi-parametric approach that involves the use of different geophysical methods coupled with geochemical data allowed us to identify undiscovered archeological burials in a funerary area of the Grotte di Castro Etruscan settlement. In particular, we tested the suitability of the capacitive resistivity method and the presence of Radon in soil for the identification of burials calibrating their outcomes over coincident survey profiles with standard geophysical techniques routinely applied for archaeological prospections. Soil Radon data were acquired both in a grid and along a profile to highlight anomalous gas concentrations, whereas electrical resistivity and ground-penetrating radar measurements were conducted on overlapping profiles to depict the electrical and electromagnetic subsurface distribution. Data integration showed a series of anomalies, suggesting the presence of multiple burials starting from a depth of approximately 1.5 m below the terrain surface. Slight anomalies of Radon in the soil were found to correspond to most of the recovered geophysical ones. Our results pointed out the effectiveness of geophysical method integration in archeological prospecting with the novelty of the joint use of Radon in soil measurements and capacitive resistivity tomography. The latter provided reliable results and can be considered as a standalone technique in archaeological surveys.

scholarly journals The handling of bodies at the Drancy camp (1941–44)

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-56
Author(s):  
Johanna Lehr
Keyword(s):  
Collective Memory ◽  
Jewish People ◽  
Large Mass ◽  
Judicial System ◽  
Mass Grave ◽  
Internment Camp

This article seeks to show that the bodies of Jewish people who died in the Drancy internment camp between 1941 and 1944 were handled on French soil in a doubly normalised manner: first by the police and judicial system, and then in relation to funeral arrangements. My findings thus contradict two preconceived ideas that have become firmly established in collective memory: first, the belief that the number who died in the Drancy camp is difficult to establish; and second, the belief that the remains of internees who died in the camp were subjected to rapid and anonymous burial in a large mass grave in Drancy municipal cemetery.

scholarly journals Towards mass-grave protection guidelines

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Klinkner
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
International Law ◽  
Armed Conflicts ◽  
Human Rights Violations ◽  
Right To Know ◽  
Mass Grave ◽  
Mass Graves ◽  
Legal Obligations ◽  
Legal Guidelines ◽  
Practical Agenda

In the aftermath of conflict and gross human rights violations, victims have a right to know what happened to their loved ones. Such a right is compromised if mass graves are not adequately protected to preserve evidence, facilitate identification and repatriation of the dead and enable a full and effective investigation to be conducted. Despite guidelines for investigations of the missing, and legal obligations under international law, it is not expressly clear how these mass graves are best legally protected and by whom. This article asks why, to date, there are no unified mass-grave protection guidelines that could serve as a model for states, authorities or international bodies when faced with gross human rights violations or armed conflicts resulting in mass graves. The paper suggests a practical agenda for working towards a more comprehensive set of legal guidelines to protect mass graves.

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.

scholarly journals Geophysical Evaluation of the Inner Structure of a Historical Earth-Filled Dam

Proceedings ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (11) ◽  
pp. 664 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Zumr ◽  
Václav David ◽  
Josef Krása ◽  
Jiří Nedvěd
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Resistivity ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Seepage Flow ◽  
The Body ◽  
Internal Erosion ◽  
Dam Foundation ◽  
High Resolution Data ◽  
15Th Century ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Non Destructive

Small earth dams usually lack the detailed seepage monitoring system that would provide high resolution data on changes in seepage flow. Alternative solution is monitoring of the temperature and electrical resistivity in the body of the dams. Geophysical methods are useful techniques for a non-destructive exploration of the subsurface. We have utilized the combination of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), ground penetrating radar (GPR) and multi-depth electromagnetical conductivity meter (CMD) techniques to observe the inner structure, especially internal failures, of the historical earth-filled dams. Longitudinal and transversal profiles of four typical fishpond dams in the Czech Republic were measured within this research. The dams were constructed as early as in the 15th century, some of them went through minor reconstruction. The aim of the application of geophysical methods for investigation of old fishpond dams was to detect and localize the boundary of the dam foundation, new earth material from the reconstruction works, cone of water depression, technical objects location, potential internal erosion, cavities, inhomogeneity in the water content pattern and any other anomalies. The primary results show that the ERT is suitable to observe the dam stratification, dam foundation, bedrock below the dam and large anomalies. GPR is suitable for small objects and anomalies detection in the shallow depths.

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.

Exploring the Japan Cave in Taman Hutan Raya Djuanda, Bandung Using GPR

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 377-381
Author(s):  
Widodo Widodo ◽  
Azizatun Azimmah ◽  
Djoko Santoso
Keyword(s):  
Dielectric Permittivity ◽  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Forward Modeling ◽  
Additional Line ◽  
Reflection Amplitude ◽  
Underground Cavities ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Synthetic Models

Investigating underground cavities is vital due to their potential for subsidence and total collapse. One of the proven geophysical methods for locating underground cavities at a shallow depth is ground penetrating radar (GPR). GPR uses contrasting dielectric permittivity, resistivity, and magnetic permeability to map the subsurface. The aim of this research is to prove that GPR can be applied to detect underground cavities in the Japan Cave of Taman Hutan Raya Djuanda, in Bandung, Indonesia. Forward modeling was performed first using three representative synthetic models before field data were acquired. The data acquisition was then conducted using a 100 MHz GPR shielded antenna with three lines of 80 m and one additional line 10 m long. The result showed a region of different reflection amplitude, which was proven to be the air-filled cavities.

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