Ground‐penetrating radar reflections and their archaeological significances at two ancient necropolis tombs in Kharga Oasis, Egypt

Abstract

This study presents results of ground-penetrating radar surveys conducted for the exploration of unexcavated tombs at the Kharga Oasis. These surveys were carried out on two ancient tombs. The first site, located in Labakha, is already excavated, while the second site, located in Gebel El-Siwa, is still unexcavated. The goal of this study was to investigate the possibility of the existence of unexcavated tombs in Labakha, as well as the depth, extension and constituents of an unexcavated tomb in Gebel El-Siwa. Ground-penetrating radar measurements were carried out using a singlechannel system and the common offset approach. Based on the results obtained from our measurements using 200-and 400-MHz antennae in Labakha, a detailed survey was carried out on the unexcavated tomb in Gebel El-Siwa using a cart-mounted 400-MHz antenna system. 2D ground-penetrating radar profiles were acquired and subsequently processed and interpreted. Isolated reflections could be identified. Lateral continuity of the reflections could be observed only through comparative analyses of the adjacent scans. By doing so, the remnants of the two tombs became easier to correlate. Two ground-penetrating radar anomalies could be detected in the archaeological site of Gebel El-Siwa; these anomalies are probably caused by a nearby tomb. By correlating the obtained data with the archaeological knowledge of the discoveries made in the surrounding areas, it was possible to interpret the linear reflectors as to be caused by the tomb. This study has been useful in providing archaeologists with information on the expression of this type of ancient Egyptian necropolis tombs at Kharga.

A comprehensive study of some features from characteristics of enhanced ground‐penetrating radar wave images through convenient data processing within carbonate rock, west of Assiut, Egypt

“…However, it can see below and into solid materials using radar waves. It is useful for resolving features ranging from a few centimetres to tens of metres in lateral extent (Asprion & Aigner, 2000; Davis & Annan, 1989; Ebraheem & Ibrahim, 2021; Ibrahim & Ebraheem, 2020; Mellett, 1995). Generally, this method has been used to detect rock fractures and soil discontinuities (Al‐Shukri et al., 2006; Salvi et al., 2003).…”

Geophysical Prospecting of the Coptic Monastery of Apa Moses Using GPR and Magnetic Techniques: A Case Study, Abydos, Sohag, Egypt

“…Several authors prospected archaeological features at various ancient locations for historical studies, using either magnetic or GPR methods or both. Land magnetic and GPR techniques in other sites in Abydos city were used to discover buried archaeological features [7,[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. Their results reveal eight distinct anomalies which may indicate the possibility of probable buried archaeological objects ranging from 2 to 4 m depth.…”

“…Their results reveal eight distinct anomalies which may indicate the possibility of probable buried archaeological objects ranging from 2 to 4 m depth. The magnetic method was applied in Abydos city near this site [7,[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] and recognized high magnetic anomalies which may be interpreted as archaeological features of mud brick, ranging in size and depth from 3 m to 12 m and 1 to 5 m, respectively. These techniques were used by researchers in other countries to find the depths of buried archaeological targets.…”

Contributions of ground‐penetrating radar in research of some predynastic and dynastic archaeological sites at the eastern and western banks of the River Nile, Assiut, Egypt

“…The subsurface structures which have been underground for centuries became in due a part of the geological medium of the area of this or that archaeological monument. The features of archaeological monuments surveyed in Middle Egypt are not so difficult (on planning, contrast of electrical properties and geological conditions) models for GPR simulation (Ibrahim & Ebraheem, 2020). GPR maps and sections offer essential and accurate information which can be used directly to designate the interesting excavation localities or to distinguish potential regions containing cultural remains.…”

“…The subsurface structures which have been underground for centuries became in due a part of the geological medium of the area of this or that archaeological monument. The features of archaeological monuments surveyed in Middle Egypt are not so difficult (on planning, contrast of electrical properties and geological conditions) models for GPR simulation (Ibrahim & Ebraheem, 2020).…”