The application of geophysical methods to archaeological prospection

Abstract

The aim of this review is to combine the almost universal fascination we share for our past with the comparatively recent, in archaeological terms, application of geophysical prospection methods. For their success, each of these methods relies upon a physical contrast to exist between the buried archaeological feature and the properties of the surrounding subsoil. Understanding the archaeological origin of such physical contrasts, in terms of density, thermal conductivity, electrical resistance, magnetic or dielectric properties, remains fundamental to an appreciation of the discipline. This review provides a broad introduction to the subject area acknowledging the historical development of the discipline and discusses each of the major techniques in turn: earth resistance, magnetic and electromagnetic methods (including ground penetrating radar), together with an appreciation of more esoteric approaches, such as the use of micro-gravity survey to detect buried chambers and voids. The physical principles and field instrumentation involved for the acquisition of data with each method are considered and fully illustrated with case histories of results from the English Heritage archives.

Inside a Cucuteni Settlement: Remote Sensing Techniques for Documenting an Unexplored Eneolithic Site from Northeastern Romania

“…Geophysical prospection methods employed in archaeology [47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56] frequently include soil electrical resistivity measurements, caesium-vapour and vertical gradient magnetometry, which are regarded, alongside GPR [57], as the most efficient methods of archaeological prospecting. All except the last were utilised in this study.…”

Looking for the traces of the last hunter–gatherers: Geophysical survey in the Mesolithic shell middens of the Sado valley (southern Portugal)

“…Magnetometry is a well-known method based on the measurement of the local variation from the hypothetically smooth magnetic field of the earth, so that it can be used for the localization and the systematic archaeological mapping of archaeological sites (Scollar et al, 1990;Zickgraf, 1999;Neubauer, 2001;Linford, 2006;Witten, 2006). In most types of soils the concentration of magnetic minerals varies in the different horizons, and it is usually higher in the upper part.…”

Remote Sensing Applications in Archaeological Research

“…In cases where deeper penetration is required GPR, ERT and seismic approaches are more appropriate (Fig. 3) (Sarris 2008, Linford 2006.…”

“…Employing a suite of methods measuring the physical properties of the soils with high efficiency, reliability and resolution, geophysical prospection has been designated as a valuable tool in the domain of archaeological research, especially in the study of the ancient landscapes. A very detailed review of the physical properties of each method and the fundamentals of the operation of the corresponding instrumentation is provided by Linford (2006) and Scollar et al (1990).…”