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

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

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.


Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Sullivan ◽  
Tiago Attore

Geophysical survey and other non-invasive methods are, in some cases, the only options available for archaeological investigation. This is exemplified at the Collins site, a possible Late Woodland to Middle Mississippian period, multi-mound, civic ceremonial center in Northwest Arkansas. The site is located on private property and although excavation is not allowed, non-invasive survey methods are permitted on its northern section. This paper presents the results of a ground-penetrating radar survey over Mounds B, C, and D. The results reveal a number of features that are interpreted as mortuary structures as well as evidence of multiple building episodes over time within distinct layers of Mound C. A high-resolution DEM generated with aerial imagery is used in interpreting the GPR data as well as to provide an updated map of mound size and distribution. By integrating the GPR data with the DEM, orthoimagery, and magnetic gradiometry data from a previously documented survey, and comparing the results to ethnohistoric accounts, interpretation of the geophysical data is enhanced. Geophysical survey is often used to assess an archaeological site on a landscape scale. By narrowing the scope to individual mounds, this article demonstrates how multiple, complementary technologies, when used in concert, can inform on the feature level.


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.


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>


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (18) ◽  
pp. 8517
Author(s):  
Emanuele Forte ◽  
Arianna Mocnik ◽  
Patrizia Basso ◽  
Giulia Casagrande ◽  
Davide Martinucci ◽  
...  

The use of non-invasive methodologies is becoming essential for archaeological research, and ground penetrating radar is one of the most important techniques to obtain high resolution information. In this paper we present the analysis of a full 3-D GPR dataset integrated with a high-resolution photogrammetric survey acquired in a Roman archaeological site located in Aquileia (Northeast Italy) within the partially excavated area known as “Fondo Pasqualis”. We evaluated the importance of dense and accurate data collection and of processing of the GPR signal for characterization of the archaeological features. We further discuss the parametrization and the applicability of GPR attributes, in particular amplitude-based and coherence attributes, to better identify and characterise the archaeological buried targets. Furthermore, autopicking procedures for isosurfaces mapping were critically evaluated with the objective of detecting complex structures. The final interpretation of all the GPR features, with the support of digital terrain modelling and orthophotos from unmanned aerial vehicles, guided the archaeologists to open and excavate newly selected areas, which revealed interesting structures and contributed to the understanding of the historical events that characterized the Aquileia city.


2011 ◽  
Vol 368-373 ◽  
pp. 2411-2416
Author(s):  
Jian Ping Han ◽  
Hai Peng Liu

Temporary or permanent supports are necessary in underground construction for maintaining the stability and limiting the damage of surrounding rock. Due to the uncertainty of geological structure, the specificity of the underground environment as well as other factors, the quality and performance of supporting structure are often difficult to satisfy the design requirements, which not only seriously affects the normal construction and operation of mines but also has the potential threat to the safety of underground production. In order to investigate the influence of the unfavorable geologic environment on supporting concrete and evaluate the real performance of roadway supports of a mine, 17 typical projects were chosen and the strength of supporting concrete was detected by nondestructive drilling core method. The result shows that the strength is widely less than the design value. Furthermore, 4 projects of them were investigated by the ground penetrating radar (GPR) in order to evaluate the feasibility of GPR in the performance investigation of the roadway supports of a mine. The results indicate that ground penetrating radar is capable of measuring the thickness of the support, the distribution of rebars and the defects of the surrounding rock.


2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 362-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Krainyukov ◽  
Igor Lyaksa

Abstract The paper is devoted to using ground penetrating radar (GPR) for the detection of tree roots in an urban area, since GPR allow detect the hidden objects in non invasive way. It is necessary exactly to know the growth direction, thickness and depth of the roots of the tree to confidently assert about the tree root influence on the technical condition of engineering objects and structures: of the buildings, of pavements, of roadway, of engineering communications and etc. The aim of the given research was experimentally to evaluation the possibilities of detection of tree roots in an urban area with the use of GPR on frequency 400 MHz and of algorithms of secondary processing of GPR signals. Results of interpretation of radar profile and evacuation of soil around tree show the possibility of detection of the tree roots and the determination of their parameters using one or two radar concentric profiles.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 596-602
Author(s):  
Veli Voipio

In this article, I propose a new method for calculating and visualizing the pulse radiation within the depth range commonly used by Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). The text describes the method and illustrates the propagation with several examples. One conventional method is also applied for a quick comparison. The method can be used to optimize GPR antennas and transmit pulse shapes.


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