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

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.

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-132
Author(s):  
Radosław Mieszkowski ◽  
Fabian Welc ◽  
Janusz Budziszewski ◽  
Witold Migal ◽  
Anna Bąkowska

Abstract Preliminary results of GPR field prospection carried out in the area of the prehistoric mining field Borownia (Ćmielów, Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski District) are presented. This mining field forms a belt (30-50 m wide and 700 m long), starting from the valley edge of the Kamienna River southeastwards. Southeastern and western parts of the site have preserved the original post-exploitation relief. Geology of the Borownia mining field was examined and acquired radiograms revealed three distinct zones of anomaly concentrations. The central zone (B) is clearly a fragment of the prehistoric mining field, confirmed not only by the GPR sounding but also by archeological surveys. The other two zones have not yet been investigated in detail yet but their surface and archaeological examination may determine only whether their underground structures are natural or have been created by humans. Data obtained during the GPR prospection at the Borownia archaeological site confirmed usefulness of 100, 250 and 500 MHz antennas. The relatively large depth range and good resolution are due to favorable geological conditions.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 515 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Gouvêa Luiz ◽  
Edithe Da Silva Pereira

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.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilaria Catapano ◽  
Luigi Capozzoli ◽  
Giovanni Ludeno ◽  
Gianluca Gennarelli ◽  
Gregory De Martino ◽  
...  

<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>


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 3170
Author(s):  
Manuel Gabler ◽  
Claes Olof Johan Uhnér ◽  
Nils Ole Sundet ◽  
Alois Hinterleitner ◽  
Pål Nymoen ◽  
...  

Wetlands are of immense importance for archaeological research due to excellent preservation conditions for organic material. However, the detection and registration of archaeological remains in waterlogged areas, such as peatlands, bogs, mires, or lakeshores are very challenging. Alternative methods that can support traditional archaeological registrations and that can help to survey wetlands more efficiently are needed. One goal of the “Arkeologi på nye veier” (Archaeology on new ways) project, initiated by Nye Veier AS, was to develop and test a practical solution for non-invasive geophysical surveys in wetland environments in support of traditional archaeological investigations. For that purpose, a custom GPR system for wetland investigations was assembled, tested and applied at Gausdal (Flekkefjord municipality, Agder county) in Norway within the E39-southwest infrastructure project. The GPR survey resulted in promising data, clearly showing the buried remains of an old road within the investigated area. This case study demonstrated the potential of GPR measurements in peatlands as a valuable asset for archaeological registration projects in such environments. However, despite these first encouraging results, wetlands remain very challenging environments, and realistic expectations, as well as a good understanding of the potential and limitations of this approach are a prerequisite for meaningful surveys.


Geologos ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Lejzerowicz ◽  
Sebastian Kowalczyk ◽  
Anna Wysocka

Abstract Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys and sedimentological outcrop analyses were combined in order to determine the reflection patterns and internal architecture of terrace deposits of the Vistula River at Kępa Zawadowska in the southern part of Warsaw (central Poland). The sedimentary analyses concerned the granulometric composition and lithofacies analysis. The 34 GPR profiles, which were obtained in two outcrops, using a Malå RAMAC/GPR system with 500-MHz and 250-MHz shielded antennas, were up to 100 m long. The most characteristic ground-penetrating radar profiles are presented; they show a high-resolution data set of radar facies. The GPR data suggest the presence of three geophysically different units, namely with high-angle inclined reflections (radar facies 1), with discontinuous undulating or trough-shaped reflections (radar facies 2), and with low-angle reflections (radar facies 3). The internal structure of the fluvial deposits was obtained by integration of the GPR and sedimentological data, which combination provides a more accurate visualisation of sedimentary units than do reconstructions that are based only on standard lithologic point data.


2013 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
DONALD GAFF ◽  
LAURA SHERROD ◽  
JANET G. BRASHLER

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.


Geophysics ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. B193-B199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Martino ◽  
Néstor Bonomo ◽  
Eugenia Lascano ◽  
Ana Osella ◽  
Norma Ratto

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.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Capozzoli ◽  
Francesco Soldovieri ◽  
Enzo Rizzo ◽  
Ilaria Catapano ◽  
Giovanni Ludeno ◽  
...  

<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>


2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 11-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Borecka ◽  
J. Herzig ◽  
M. Durjasz-Rybacka

Abstract The article presents the results of research of the activated landslide in Radziszów in 2010. The study focused on the evaluation of engineering geology conditions, preceded by geophysical surveys. It mainly focused on the GPR method using the IDS georadar equipped with antennas in the frequency range of 100 MHz. Antenna selection was based on archival research which showed that the depth of occurrence of clays, where the roof can be a potential slip surface, ranges between 3-10 m below the surface. GPR method applied allowed the course of the potential slip surface to be determined and the results obtained significantly correlated with the results of engineering geology tests carried out.


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