scholarly journals Geophysical Investigation of Babylon archeological City, Iraq

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Sany Hannian ◽  
Basim Hijab ◽  
Amer Laftah

A geophysical survey was carried out at old archeological Babylon City, which is located 90.0 km to the south of Baghdad. Three geophysical methods were applied in this survey. The VES resistivity method, for soil conductivity and layering testing. GPR and magnetic methods, for detecting subsurface archeological bodies. The resistivity results showed values lower than 5.0 ohm. m, and subsurface distortion, which are probably related to buried archeological ruins. Due to the low electrical resistivity of the top soil, the GPR method did not reach a good penetrating depth. Wide range of frequencies, 30 MHz, 250 MHz, 500 MHz, and 100MHz were applied. The high signal attenuation of the top soil resulted in distorted radar-grams with faint shallow anomalies. The GPR survey was conducted at different seasons hoping that the dry conditions of the hot summer could change the top soil electrical resistivity. Nevertheless, few GPR radar- grams show point reflections that related to small dense bodies at depths of 0.8 – 2.0, which could be archeological bricks walls. The magnetic survey was carried out in two stages using Cesium magnetometer of high sensitivity. An area of 140.0 m x 240.0 m was surveyed at the first stage, which is covered by twenty-eight N-S traverses. The preliminary results show the effects of the N-S profiling, which can be removed by directional first derivative filter. It showed indications of subsurface archeological features. In the second stage, an area of 40.0 x 40.0 meters was chosen for detailed survey. The survey is done a long 40 traverses in N-S direction and another 40.0 Traverses along W-E directions. The preliminary results of the both surveys show some differences. These differences were removed by using first derivative filter. They both showed subsurface geometric shapes that are probably related to buried archeological walls. The mathematical modeling results showed walls of widths 0.3-0.4 meters at depths around 0.8 meters. These walls continue down to 2.3-2.5 meters in depth. The magnetic survey also showed many circular high magnetic anomalies within an area of 1.0 – 2.0 meters only. The mathematical modeling suggested that these anomalies could be corresponding to building poles made of andesite or basaltic rocks or they are buried metals objects.

Geophysics ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-50
Author(s):  
Allan Haas ◽  
Dale F. Rucker ◽  
Marc T. Levitt

Industrialized sites pose challenges for conducting electrical resistivity geophysical surveys, as the sites typically contain metallic infrastructure that can mask electrolytic-based soil and groundwater contamination. The Hanford site in eastern Washington State, USA, is an industrialized site with underground storage tanks, piping networks, steel fencing, and other potentially interfering infrastructure that could inhibit the effectiveness of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) to map historical and monitor current waste releases. The underground storage tanks are the largest contributor by volume to subsurface infrastructure and can be classified as reinforced concrete structures with an internal steel liner. Directly measuring the effective value for the electrical resistivity of the tank, i.e., the combination of individual components that comprise the tank’s shell, is not reasonably possible because they are buried and dangerously radioactive. Therefore, we indirectly assess the general resistivity of the tanks and surrounding infrastructure by developing synthetic ERT models with a parametric forward modeling study using a wide range of resistivity values from 1×10−6 to 1×104 ohm-m, which are equivalent to steel and dry rock, respectively. The synthetic models used the long-electrode ERT method (LE-ERT), whereby steel cased metallic wells surrounding the tanks are used as electrodes. The patterns and values of the synthetic tomographic models were then compared to LE-ERT field data from the AX tank farm at the Hanford site. This indirect method of assessing the effective resistivity revealed that the reinforced concrete tanks are electrically resistive and the accompanying piping infrastructure has little influence on the overall resistivity distribution when using electrically based geophysical methods for characterizing or monitoring waste releases. Our findings are consistent with nondestructive testing literature that also shows reinforced concrete to be generally resistive.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin Amini ◽  
Hamidreza Ramazi

AbstractThis paper is devoted to the application of the Combined Resistivity Sounding and Profiling electrode configuration (CRSP) to detect underground cavities. Electrical resistivity surveying is among the most favorite geophysical methods due to its nondestructive and economical properties in a wide range of geosciences. Several types of the electrode arrays are applied to detect different certain objectives. In one hand, the electrode array plays an important role in determination of output resolution and depth of investigations in all resistivity surveys. On the other hand, they have their own merits and demerits in terms of depth of investigations, signal strength, and sensitivity to resistivity variations. In this article several synthetic models, simulating different conditions of cavity occurrence, were used to examine the responses of some conventional electrode arrays and also CRSP array. The results showed that CRSP electrode configuration can detect the desired objectives with a higher resolution rather than some other types of arrays. Also a field case study was discussed in which electrical resistivity approach was conducted in Abshenasan expressway (Tehran, Iran) U-turn bridge site for detecting potential cavities and/or filling loose materials. The results led to detect an aqueduct tunnel passing beneath the study area.


2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Emmert ◽  
Christof Kneisel

Abstract. Interactions between different formative processes are reflected in the internal structure of rockglaciers. Its detection can therefore help to enhance our understanding of landform development. For an assessment of subsurface conditions, we present an analysis of the spatial variability of active layer thickness, ground ice content and frost table topography at two different rockglacier sites in the Eastern Swiss Alps by means of quasi-3D electrical resistivity imaging (ERI). This approach enables an extensive mapping of subsurface structures and hence the performance of a spatial overlay between site-specific surface und subsurface characteristics. At Nair rockglacier, we discovered a gradual descent of the frost table in a downslope direction and a homogenous decrease of ice content which follows the observed surface topography. This is attributed to ice formation by refreezing meltwater from an embedded snowbank or from a subsurface ice patch which reshapes the permafrost layer. The heterogeneous ground ice distribution at Uertsch rockglacier indicates that multiple processes on different time domains were involved in rockglacier development. Resistivity values which represent frozen conditions vary within a wide range and indicate a successive formation which includes several rockglacier advances, past glacial overrides and creep processes on the rockglacier surface. In combination with the observed rockglacier topography, quasi-3D ERI enables us to delimit areas of extensive and compressive flow in close proximity. Excellent data quality was provided by a good coupling of electrodes to the ground in the pebbly material of the investigated rockglaciers. Results show the value of the quasi-3D ERI approach but advice the application of complementary geophysical methods for interpreting the results.


Author(s):  
Peter M. Fischer ◽  
Teresa Bürge ◽  
I. Trinks ◽  
L. Mazzotta ◽  
Learke Recht ◽  
...  

The initial aim of the project—the search for the oldest city of Hala Sultan Tekke—continued in 2014. Geophysical methods were used, which led to the discovery of new city quarters, and a broadening of the research objectives, to include revealing the total extent of the city. The GPR survey indicated a huge stone compound of at least 50 m × 40 m to the west of a probable street. Excavations continued in Area 6 West, where in 2013 a domestic and industrial compound was excavated as part of a hitherto unknown city quarter. The 2014 field work exposed stone-built structures and rich find contexts with locally made and imported pottery, numerous tools and several items of gold and silver jewellery. The violent destruction of the most recent layer of occupation, Stratum 1, which had been observed during previous seasons, was once again confirmed. Another georadar and magnetic survey west of the mosque of Hala Sultan Tekke indicated numerous circular anomalies. Five of these were excavated and turned out to be four wells and an offering pit. One of the wells was reused for human burials. Another well contained the skeleton of an equid, a complete bull figurine and a cylinder seal of haematite.


2004 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 1204
Author(s):  
Α. Βαφείδης ◽  
Μ. Μανούτσογλου ◽  
H. Hamdan ◽  
Ν. Ανδρονικίδης ◽  
Μ. Κουκαδάκη ◽  
...  

This paper discusses the preliminary results of a geophysical survey that was carried out at the Omalos plateau in Chania, Crete. The geophysical survey included measurements of electrical tomography, electrical mapping, seismic refraction, georadar, VLF and gravity. The aim of this survey is to compare the results from different geophysical methods used in imaging dolines and karstic features. The processing of the measurements indicates three geoelectrical layers. The first layer of extremely high electrical resistivity is attributed to alluvial - dilluvial deposits. The second layer of very low electrical resistivity reflects mainly the presence of marls. Finally, the third geoelectrical layer outlines the carbonate bedrock, whose relief appears highly irregular. The comparison of all geophysical methods leads to the same results, concerning the detection of dolines and karstic anomalies at the Omalos plateau.


Author(s):  
A. Portal ◽  
S. Béné ◽  
P. Boivin ◽  
E. Busato ◽  
C. Cârloganu ◽  
...  

Abstract. Muon imagery of volcanoes and geological structures are presently and actively developed by several groups in the world. It has the potential to provide a 2-D or 3-D density distribution with an accuracy of a few percent. However, at this stage of the development of the method, comparisons with the results from established geophysical methods are necessary to validate its results. An experiment is currently carried out at the Puy de Dôme volcano involving the concurrent acquisition of muon imagery, electrical resistivity (2-D tomography) and gravity survey. Here, we present the preliminary results for the last two methods. North-south and east-west resistivity sections have been obtained in June 2011 and May 2012. These electric data allow to model of the distribution of the resistivity values down to the base of the dome. The dome and its surroundings are now mapped with more than 300 gravity stations measured during a detailed gravity survey carried out in March and May 2012. The computed Bouguer anomaly can be interpreted by models of the density distribution within the dome. This will be directly comparable with the results from the muon imagery. Our ultimate goal is to derive a model of the dome using the joint interpretation of all the sets of data.


Author(s):  
W. E. King

A side-entry type, helium-temperature specimen stage that has the capability of in-situ electrical-resistivity measurements has been designed and developed for use in the AEI-EM7 1200-kV electron microscope at Argonne National Laboratory. The electrical-resistivity measurements complement the high-voltage electron microscope (HVEM) to yield a unique opportunity to investigate defect production in metals by electron irradiation over a wide range of defect concentrations.A flow cryostat that uses helium gas as a coolant is employed to attain and maintain any specified temperature between 10 and 300 K. The helium gas coolant eliminates the vibrations that arise from boiling liquid helium and the temperature instabilities due to alternating heat-transfer mechanisms in the two-phase temperature regime (4.215 K). Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the liquid/gaseous helium transfer system. A liquid-gas mixture can be used for fast cooldown. The cold tip of the transfer tube is inserted coincident with the tilt axis of the specimen stage, and the end of the coolant flow tube is positioned without contact within the heat exchanger of the copper specimen block (Fig. 2).


Geotecnia ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 137 ◽  
pp. 141-155
Author(s):  
Herson Oliveira da Rocha ◽  
◽  
Lúcia Maria Costa e Silva ◽  
João Andrade dos Reis Júnior ◽  
◽  
...  

2004 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Magnavita ◽  
Norbert Schleifer

In the last decades, geophysical methods such as magnetic survey have become a common technique for prospecting archaeological sites. At sub-Saharan archaeological sites, however, magnetic survey and correlated techniques never came into broad use and there are no signs for an immediate change of this situation. This paper examines the magnetic survey undertaken on the Nigerian site of Zilum, a settlement of the Gajiganna Culture (ca 1800-400 BC) located in the Chad Basin and dated to ca 600-400 BC. By means of the present case study, we demonstrate the significance of this particular type of investigation in yielding complementary data for understanding the character of prehistoric settlements. In conclusion, we point out that geophysical methods should play a more important role in modern archaeological field research, as they furnish a class of documentation not achievable by traditional survey and excavation methods, thus creating new perspectives for interpreting the past of African societies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 2448
Author(s):  
Alex Sendrós ◽  
Aritz Urruela ◽  
Mahjoub Himi ◽  
Carlos Alonso ◽  
Raúl Lovera ◽  
...  

Water percolation through infiltration ponds is creating significant synergies for the broad adoption of water reuse as an additional non-conventional water supply. Despite the apparent simplicity of the soil aquifer treatment (SAT) approaches, the complexity of site-specific hydrogeological conditions and the processes occurring at various scales require an exhaustive understanding of the system’s response. The non-saturated zone and underlying aquifers cannot be considered as a black box, nor accept its characterization from few boreholes not well distributed over the area to be investigated. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is a non-invasive technology, highly responsive to geological heterogeneities that has demonstrated useful to provide the detailed subsurface information required for groundwater modeling. The relationships between the electrical resistivity of the alluvial sediments and the bedrock and the difference in salinity of groundwater highlight the potential of geophysical methods over other more costly subsurface exploration techniques. The results of our research show that ERT coupled with implicit modeling tools provides information that can significantly help to identify aquifer geometry and characterize the saltwater intrusion of shallow alluvial aquifers. The proposed approaches could improve the reliability of groundwater models and the commitment of stakeholders to the benefits of SAT procedures.


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