Geoarchaeological mapping of wetlands conventionally involves extensive coring. Especially in wetlands marked by a deep palaeosurface (>3 m deep) this can be very difficult and time-consuming. In this paper we therefore present an alternative approach based on Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) for structured, rapid and cost-effective evaluation of buried palaeolandscapes. Both estuarine and river floodplain environments were investigated, including the watereland transition zone (marsh). The efficiency, reliability and repeatability of the CPT method was tested through the comparison with ground-truth core data. The CPT data generally allowed highly accurate mapping of the palaeotopography of the prehistoric surfaces and the overlying peat sequences. Thin organic-rich clay intercalations within the peat layers could often still be identified. Additional pore pressure, conductivity and seismic velocity data (from CPTU, CPT-C and S-CPT) did not add much crucial information and their main use seems to lie in the added value for near surface geophysical measurements. The results of this research clearly illustrate the importance of CPT information for mapping of palaeolandscapes in archaeology

ABSTRACT. The Mesolithic-Neolithic transition in the wetland margins of the southern North Sea basin occurred well over a millennium after the transition in neighboring loess regions. This article investigates the possible role of hydrological dynamics in the presence of the last hunter-gatherer-fishermen in these wetland regions. A Bayesian modeling approach is used to integrate stratigraphic information and radiocarbon dates both from accurately datable archaeological remains and key horizons in peat sequences in the Scheldt floodplain of northwestern Belgium. This study tests whether the Swifterbant occupation of the study area was contemporaneous with hiatuses in peat growth caused by organic clastic sedimentation due to increased tidal influences and local groundwater rise. The results suggest that the appearance of this culture followed shortly after the emergence of a brackish tidal mudflat landscape replacing a freshwater marsh.

In the course of their research campaign in Siberia, Ghent University archaeologists have developed a simple and cost effective method for the rapid 3D imaging of rock art, standing stelae and surface monuments. Their procedure will undoubtedly have a big role to play in archaeological research in advance of the oil pipeline expected soon.

During extensive construction works in Antwerp harbour, well preserved Late Glacial dune formations were discovered buried deeply below the Scheldt polders and covered by peat, organic matter (OM) rich clays and marine clayey to sandy sediments. First, coring based archaeological prospection strategies for evaluating prehistoric occupation levels in wetland landscapes are reviewed. Next, a more effective approach including near surface geophysical and geotechnical techniques is proposed and tested in Doelpolder Noord. The results indicate that high resolution electromagnetic induction survey at multiple coil spacing provides a suitable approximation of the prehistoric landscape variability but is challenged by variations in groundwater brackishness. Gridded cone penetration tests provide a solution in such cases and serve as an excellent interpretation tool for the conductivity data in general. Due to the required effort, electrical resistance imaging and shear wave land seismics were judged inefficient. Finally, a small dune with indications of paleosol conservation and estimated suitability for Final Palaeolithic to Early Neolithic occupation is sampled by Dutch hand augering and Sonic Drill Aqualock coring. Archaeological indicators for prehistoric occupation such as burnt bone and flint fragments were retrieved from these samples after sieving.

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