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Pierce, Christian William. "Three-dimensional geophysics and visualisation in archaeology." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2000. https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/272182.
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Persson, Kjell. "Integrated geophysical-geochemical methods for archaeological prospecting." Doctoral thesis, Stockholm, 2005. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-279.
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Rice, Matthew R. "Geophysical and archaeological investigations in northern Kualoa Ahupua'a, O'ahu, Hawai'i." Thesis, California State University, Long Beach, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=1596473.
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I conducted geophysical and archaeological investigations on O'ahu Island, Hawai'i alongside the University of Hawai'i Kualoa Field School. Previous research identified Polynesian colonization of the Hawaiian Islands occurring simultaneously with the accretion of Kualoa peninsula. Because of this we conducted investigations north of the peninsula in an attempt to research initial colonization. Previous archaeological excavations used a sampling strategy that resulted in discontinuous evidence with a lack of knowledge about site architecture and settlement expansion prior to and during peninsula accretion. We employed Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to perform a continuous subsurface survey over a large area with minimal cost to the environment and labor. GPR identified an anomaly on the northern Kualoa coast that we subsequently excavated and identified as a possible structural complex. It appears and is likely that there was some kind of extension from Kualoa peninsula to the northern Kualoa coastal plain. It seems logical that the northern Kualoa coast was occupied before the southern peninsula stabilized and as the peninsula grew south occupation followed.
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Grabowski, Radoslaw. "Uppåkra: environmental archaeology and Iron Age settlement in southern Sweden." Thesis, Umeå universitet, Miljöarkeologiska laboratoriet, 2008. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-61644.
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Lengyel, Stacey Nicole. "Archaeomagnetic research in the United States midcontinent." Diss., The University of Arizona, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/290039.
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This dissertation combines archaeomagnetic and independent chronometric data from 240 archaeological features to develop a regional secular variation curve for the U.S. midcontinent. These data were obtained from features located between 31.5-40.5° N latitude and 82.5-93.5° W longitude that have been dated to between 60 and 10,700 cal BP. The archaeomagnetic samples were collected from 41 sites within this region over the past 35 years under the direction of four different researchers: Robert DuBois (University of Oklahoma), Daniel Wolfman (University of Arkansas and New Mexico State Museum), Wulf Gose (University of Texas at Austin), and myself. In this project, the data are initially smoothed through the moving windows method to form the first approximation of the curve. Outlier analyses and pairwise statistical comparisons are utilized to refine the smoothed curve, and the results are compared to other Holocene-aged secular variation records from North America. These analyses indicate that the final curve should be treated as three distinct segments with different precision and use recommendations. First, the 850-75 cal BP segment can be used to date archaeomagnetic sample from the project area with expected temporal precision of 100-200 years. Second, the 2528-850 cal BP segment can be used cautiously to date archaeomagnetic samples with an expected temporal precision of 200-300 years. Third, the 9755-4650 cal BP segment should be used for contextual dating purposes only, in that an undated sample can be put into a regional context through comparison with the segment's constituent samples. Finally, three archaeological problems are addressed through the archaeomagnetic data. First, archaeomagnetic data are used to resolve the temporal conflict between an eastern Tennessee structure's morphology and a much earlier radiocarbon date obtained for the structure. Then, archaeomagnetic data are used to address a number of internal chronology questions regarding three Powers phase sites in eastern Missouri. Finally, the sequencing of several protohistoric and historic sites in eastern Tennessee is examined through a series of archaeomagnetic data.
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Grap, Rachel. "Landscape-Scale Geophysics at Tel Shimron, Jezreel Valley, Israel." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2017. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3295.
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Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and magnetometry were used at Tel Shimron, an archaeological site in Israel’s Jezreel Valley. GPR primarily measures electric properties while magnetometry measures magnetic properties, making them complementary methods for subsurface prospection. Magnetometry can be collected and processed quickly, making it an ideal landscape-scale reconnaissance tool. It takes more time to collect, process, and interpret GPR data, but the result is a higher resolution dataset. In addition, GPR often works better than magnetometry in desert environments such as the Jezreel Valley. Conventional wisdom suggests that GPR should not be used as a landscape-scale reconnaissance tool unless there is ample time to process and interpret the data. Despite this, GPR was used at Tel Shimron with standardized, semi-automated processing routines and eight field technicians to produce an end product. The GPR survey revealed more about the subsurface than magnetometry, including three potential dwellings and a Bronze Age city gate.
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Wiewel, Adam S. "Geophysical and bioarchaeological investigations at the Box Elder Springs site." Laramie, Wyo. : University of Wyoming, 2008. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1663116421&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=18949&RQT=309&VName=PQD.
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Harris, Jane C. "Pieces of a Puzzle: Fitting Electromagnetic Induction into Geophysical Strategies to Produce Enhanced Archaeological Characterisation." Thesis, University of Bradford, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10454/15743.
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Electromagnetic induction (EM) methods have been utilised in a recent surge of archaeological applications across continental Europe, Ireland and Scandinavia. Development of multi-exploration depth instruments and improvements to instrument stability have improved its reputation as an effective method for mapping archaeological remains. Despite these advances, EM methods are comparatively lacking in rigour when for British sites. Through a structured scheme of experimental analysis and fieldwork, this thesis develops an understanding of the responses of EM instruments over a range of British archaeology, including earthworks, field systems, burials, modern remains, and a Cistercian abbey; the results of which demonstrate its effective over a diversity of environments. The impact of instrument-based issues on the collected measurements was quantified through a scheme of experiments targeting instrument drift, calibration and elevation. Dedicated instrument operation and processing workflows were developed based on the collective field and experimental results, which recommend best practice guidelines for improving the quality and accuracy of collected data. The link between instrument measurements and buried archaeology was further developed through a structured analysis of the EM datasets with complementary earth resistance and magnetic results. The integration of the EM, earth resistance and magnetic datasets was utilised to develop an enhanced archaeological characterisation of subsurface features. While the earth resistance and magnetic methods generally responded to different aspects of the buried archaeology, the EM surveys were able to detect a range of responses evident in the results of the former methods. Therefore, the role of EM methods within this characterisation are shown to “bridge the gap” between the earth resistance and magnetic methods, while providing a comprehensive characterisation of the remains in their own right.
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Rezos, Mary. "CONTROLLED RESEARCH UTILIZING GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE SEARCH FOR BURIED FIREARMS AND MISCELLANEOUS WEAPONS." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 2009. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/2756.
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Incorporating geophysical technologies into forensic investigations has become a growing practice. Oftentimes, forensic professionals rely on basic metal detectors to assist their efforts during buried weapons searches, perhaps being used by someone with negligible or limited training, in turn slowing down investigation time and destroying the scene. This has created a need for research in the area of weapons searches, specifically to formulate guidelines for advanced geophysical methods that may be appropriate for locating weapons that have been discarded or buried by criminals attempting to conceal their involvement in a crime. This research project was the first to demonstrate the utility of geophysical technologies at a crime scene or a suspected weapon burial site by detecting and identifying specific types of buried metal targets, including an array of firearms. Controlled testing of 32 buried targets (including sixteen decommissioned street-level firearms, six pieces of assorted scrap metals, and ten blunt or bladed weapons) was conducted using a basic all-metal detector, an advanced metal detector, and a magnetic locator. Overall, a number of important conclusions were drawn from the research project. All forensic targets included in the project were detected with the basic all-metal detector, but only down to the shallower depths. The magnetic locator provided the deepest detection for the largest firearms, scrap metals, and miscellaneous weapons. However, not all forensic targets included in the project were detected due to the detection capabilities inherent to the magnetic locator (i.e. only detecting ferromagnetic items). The advanced metal detector was best suited for detecting the handguns and was able to detect most of the targets, excluding a number of items comprised of iron, down to deeper depths using the factory presets.M.A.
Department of Anthropology
Sciences
Anthropology MA
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Grabowski, Radoslaw. "Fulachta Fiadh in County Cavan : A study of the use of archaeobotanical, geochemical and geophysical methods on burnt mounds in County Cavan, Ireland." Thesis, Umeå universitet, Miljöarkeologiska laboratoriet, 2008. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-61645.
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This thesis aims at investigating whether archaeobotanical investigations, combined with geochemical (phosphate) and geophysical (magnetic susceptibility) soil surveys, can provide valid data concerning the functional aspects of several burnt mounds detected in County Cavan, Ireland, during the realignment of a local road (N3 between Cavan Town and Belturbet). The results show that the methods can indeed be used to gain data concerning the formation, use and post-depositional aspects governing the nature of these sites. With the exception of one site (which is proven by the analyses not to represent “traditional” burnt mound activities) the sites display indications of animal produce processing as well as some sparse evidence for cereal based activities. The results are not entirely conclusive but indicate that an extended archaeobotanical, geochemical and geophysical investigation coupled with further analyses with methods belonging to environmental archaeology (such as palynology and insect analysis) may potentially be very useful in providing comprehensive information concerning the function of burnt mound sites in County Cavan and Ireland in general.
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Cornett, Reagan. "Archaeological, Geophysical, and Geospatial Analysis at David Crockett Birthplace State Park, in Upper East Tennessee." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2020. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3762.
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A geophysical survey was conducted at David Crockett Birthplace State Park (40GN205, 40GN12) using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and magnetometry. The data indicated multiple levels of occupation that were investigated by Phase II and Phase III archaeological excavations. New cultural components were discovered, including the remnants of a Protohistoric Native American structure containing European glass trade beads and Middle Woodland artifacts that suggest trade with Hopewell groups from Ohio. A circular Archaic hearth was uncovered at one meter below surface and similar deep anomalies were seen in the GPR data at this level. A semi-automated object-based image analysis (OBIA) was implemented to extract Archaic circular hearths from GPR depth slices using user-defined spatial parameters (depth, area, perimeter, length to width ratio, and circularity index) followed by manual interpretation. This approach successfully identified sixteen probable hearths distributed across the site in a semi-clustered pattern.
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Tamba, Robert. "From archaeological prospection to communication using learning theory. Multi-variable maping and 3D representations in archaeology and built heritage." Doctoral thesis, Universitat de Barcelona, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/393977.
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La geofísica arqueològica es basa en la mesura de propietats físiques. S'aplica per la documentació de jaciments arqueològics. Inclou una seqüència de tasques que en tres fases (1) el camp, (2) la transformació de les dades I (3) la finalització del projecte.
A través de la presentació de tres casos d'estudi, la recerca presentada aquí il.lustra diverses aportacions. Primer, s'avalua la seqüència de tasques d'un projecte per proposar punts de control de la qualitat i consistència de les dades. Després s'ha plantejat una aproximació didàctica dels resultats de geofísica arqueològica per mil-lorar els formats de transmissió de la informació. Finalment, s'ha estudiat la inter-acció de diferents tipus de dades arqueològiques amb la informació obtinguda de la geofísica.
L'avaluació de la seqüència de treball ha permès definir punts de control de la qualitat de la prospecció. Durant la fase de camp es recomana l'ús d'un qüestionari pel disseny de l'estratègia de prospecció, es defineixen els objectius arqueològics i les limitacions del projecte, i es prepara l'entorn del jaciment prèviament a l'adquisició de les dades. La transformació de les dades requereix la identificació i caracterització del soroll d'adquisició, la vectorització de les dades i la producció de mapes sintètics. La finalització ha d'incloure les metadades del projecte, les representacions dels resultats en diferents formats i l'ús de formats oberts de fitxers.
L'aproximació didàctica dels resultats ha permès classificar els formats de lliura-ment de resultats. La memòria tècnica representa una presentació conductista. L'estructura és fixa i lineal. Amb una presentació cognitiva es varien els formats. En suplement a la memòria tècnica s'ha generat una memòria gràfica, una seqüència animada i un model. El model representa una visió constructivista, ja que permet a
l’usuari tenir un control directe de la interpretació de les dades i observar-les des de diferents perspectives.
Finalment, s’ha estudiat la combinació de tres tipus d’informació arqueològica amb dades geofísiques: un model topogràfic digital, dades de prospecció de materials superficials i resultats d’excavacions. El model topogràfic digital va ser combinat amb dades de georadar per avaluar l’estat de conservació d’un artefacte monumental. Les dades de prospecció superficial s’han interpretat conjuntament amb les dades geofísiques per caracteritzar la seqüència d’ocupació d’una vila romana. Les dades d’excavació arqueològica s’han integrat amb els resultats geofísics en una plataforma comuna per documentar la destrucció d’un assentament romà.The research was placed at the confluence of three fields: Archaeological Geophysics, Archaeology and Learning Theory. The two latter were considered in order to im-prove the transmission process of archaeological geophysics results. Archaeological Geophysics is based on the use of methods that measure the contrast in physical properties. It is applied to map the context of archaeological sites. The mapping helps with the management of the research. The outputs of Archaeolog-ical Geophysics projects are produced through a nested sequence of decisions and actions. The sequence was separated in three phases: field, data transformation and data finalisation. The field phase includes the design of the project and the data acquisition survey. The transformation phase is dedicated to the processing of the acquired data and to their interpretation. During the finalisation, the data and metadata of the project are archived and the results are transmitted to the end-user. Geophysical results are not often integrated in the communication process of archae-ological findings. The main hypothesis of the research was that this absence can be explained by failure situations that occur during any phase of a project. Failure situation can be explained by results with insufficient resolution, not adequately transformed or poorly transmitted. The main objective of the research was to pro-pose solutions to identify and limit these failure situations in order to improve the final transmission of the results. Three approaches were proposed. The transmission process was analysed considering the different Learning Theory currents. A behaviourist approach gave a linear understanding of the information. It is based on standards and clearly defined con-tents. Its main vector would be the technical report. The cognitive contribution was the diversification of the formats of transmission. In addition to the technical report, a graphical report, an animated sequence and a model of the results were systematically produced. This associated material was created taking into account the relation between text, image and sound in order to improve the understanding process. The model represented the constructivist current. It enables the end-user having a personalised experience of the created environment through increased control and interactivity. The second approach was to describe in detail the workflow of an Archaeological Geophysics project. The description aimed to define control points that could favour a better quality of the produced material. Control points were defined at each phase. In the field phase they include (1) the use of questionnaire during the design of the project, (2) the production of a diagram stating the archaeological objectives, the used methods and their limitations and (3) an appropriate preparation of the environment of the site prior to the acquisition of the data. The control points of the transformation phase were (1) the characterisation of the acquisition noise, (2) the vectorisation of the results with associated attributes and (3) the production of synthetic maps. The finalisation phase should include (1) the metadata of the project, (2) several parallel formats of transmission of the results and (3) open source formats for the digital archive.
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Torridi, Danielle. "A GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION SEARCHING FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL FEATURES AT SUNWATCH INDIAN VILLAGE." Wright State University / OhioLINK, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1341581305.
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Parkyn, Andrew K. "Multi-sensor platforms for the geophysical evaluation of sensitive archaeological landscapes. Evaluation of and improvement of the MSP40 mobile sensor device for rapid multi-technique and low impact measurements on archaeological sites with vulnerable soil." Thesis, University of Bradford, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10454/6336.
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Mobile platforms for archaeological purposes have increased in use over the last 20 years with many of the developments coming from Continental Europe. Mobile platform developments have mainly focused on one type of instrumentation, offering multiple sensors, depths of detection or frequencies. This development of mobile platforms has focused on data acquisition rates but has not considered the physical impact on the soil.
The Geoscan Research Mobile Sensor Platform (MSP40) was intended to improve survey efficiency and remain a lightweight system. The platform can collect two earth resistance configurations that show directional variation of the current flow through soil. Additional sensors were integrated on to the square frame of the hand-pulled cart to record simultaneous fluxgate gradiometer data and a microtopographic surveys.
Ground based geophysical investigation will always have a physical impact on a site. The MSP40 is no exception but careful selection of wheel types and the lightweight frame limit the damage compared to many mobile arrays.
The MSP40 has been tested on a number of different soils at various times of the year with encouraging results; however issues with overcoming the contact resistance of electrodes remain. The continuous collection rate and combination of techniques means a slight drop in data quality is inevitable. However the increased data density, multiple-sensors and improved rate of collection offset reductions in data quality.
The research has shown that the MSP40 can perform low impact rapid site assessments on ¿vulnerable¿ sites, whilst maximising the information gained from a single traverse.AHRC, Geoscan Research
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Parkyn, Andrew Keith. "Multi-sensor platforms for the geophysical evaluation of sensitive archaeological landscapes : evaluation of, and improvement of, the MSP40 mobile sensor device for rapid multi-technique and low impact measurements on archaeological sites with vulnerable soil." Thesis, University of Bradford, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10454/6336.
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Mobile platforms for archaeological purposes have increased in use over the last 20 years with many of the developments coming from Continental Europe. Mobile platform developments have mainly focused on one type of instrumentation, offering multiple sensors, depths of detection or frequencies. This development of mobile platforms has focused on data acquisition rates but has not considered the physical impact on the soil. The Geoscan Research Mobile Sensor Platform (MSP40) was intended to improve survey efficiency and remain a lightweight system. The platform can collect two earth resistance configurations that show directional variation of the current flow through soil. Additional sensors were integrated on to the square frame of the hand-pulled cart to record simultaneous fluxgate gradiometer data and a microtopographic surveys. Ground based geophysical investigation will always have a physical impact on a site. The MSP40 is no exception but careful selection of wheel types and the lightweight frame limit the damage compared to many mobile arrays. The MSP40 has been tested on a number of different soils at various times of the year with encouraging results; however issues with overcoming the contact resistance of electrodes remain. The continuous collection rate and combination of techniques means a slight drop in data quality is inevitable. However the increased data density, multiple-sensors and improved rate of collection offset reductions in data quality. The research has shown that the MSP40 can perform low impact rapid site assessments on 'vulnerable' sites, whilst maximising the information gained from a single traverse.
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Gomes, Marcelo José da Silva. ""Utilização de métodos geofísicos em sambaquis fluviais, região do Vale do Ribeira de Iguape - SP/PR"." Universidade de São Paulo, 2003. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/8/8153/tde-31032004-104614/.
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Este trabalho apresenta resultados obtidos com a aplicação de métodos geofísicos (eletromagnéticos e radiométricos) em três sambaquis fluviais: i) do Morais; ii) Caraça e iii) Estreito. A interpretação conjunta dos dados geofísicos e arqueológicos permitiu o reconhecimento das feições macro-estruturais importantes na caracterização desses sítios. Os resultados obtidos sugerem interpretações específicas para cada situação, pois os sítios são constituídos por camadas de material antrópico e natural, sendo necessário criar parâmetros de diferenciação entre eles. Escavações foram realizadas para verificar as estruturas inferidas a partir das interpretações geofísicas. Neste processo, foram identificadas feições arqueológicas não visíveis em superfície embora algumas feições geofísicas mostraram-se associadas a materiais naturais existentes no solo. Estas informações, em conjunto com dados arqueológicos, permitiram um melhor entendimento da distribuição dos materiais no espaço arqueológico possibilitando delimitar os sítios, determinar as espessuras das camadas, identificar camadas com conchas e localizar concentrações de fogueiras e materiais líticos.This work presents results of the application of geophysical methods (electromagnetic and radiometric) in three fluvial sambaquis: i) Moraes; ii) Caraça and iii)Estreito. The joint interpretation of the geophysical and archaeological data allowed the recognition of important features in the characterization of these sites. The results suggest specific interpretations for each situation, for the sites are constituted by layers of anthropic and natural material, showing the necessity to create parameters of differentiation between them. Archaeological excavations had been carried out to verify the structures inferred from the geophysical interpretation. In this process, it was possible to identify some archaeological features that were not visible in surface although some geophysical features were explained by natural material in the soil. These information and archaeological data had indicated the distribution of the materials in the archaeological space, allowing, for example, to delimit the sites, to determine the thicknesses of the layers, to identify layers with shells and to locate lithic materials and hearths.
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Gaffney, Christopher F. "The Schlumberger Array in geophysical prospection for archaeology." Thesis, University of Bradford, 1990. http://hdl.handle.net/10454/3373.
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The Schlumberger array, or Schlumberger, was one of the first resistance arrays to be used to detect buried archaeological features. The early work used fixed probes and widely spaced traverses. Recent simulation work, ýhowever, suggested that the array should give improved resolution and depth penetration over the Twin-Probe array. This thesis is an attempt to operationalise the Schlumberger for use in archaeological prospection. This has been achieved via a co-ordinated use of laboratory simulation and-field studies. Initial fieldwork in England suggested. that the. - use of point electrodes created response patterns that were dependent upon the relative direction of linear targets. This was verified using a simulation tank modified to represent field procedure. The recognition of this response, therefore, required each survey area to be surveyed twice. The re-survey requires the two current probes to be positioned at right angles to the original survey points. The Schlumberger was then used in a battery of methods to investigate the problem of the archaeological interpretation of- small, discrete scatters of ceramic sherds that cover the landscape in Greece. The research has indicated a variation of intra-site patterning that may be significant to the function of these sites. Overall, the results suggest that the relationship between the 'site' and its environment is a complex one, one that can be oversimplified when the ceramic evidence is viewed in isolation. The Schlumberger indicated possible structural elements within some of these sites.
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Viberg, Andreas. "Framtidens forntid : Geofysisk och geokemisk prospektering av järnåldersgården RAÄ 108, Fresta sn, Uppland." Thesis, Stockholm University, Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies, 2007. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:su:diva-7206.
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This paper deals with archaeological prospection of an Iron Age farm site in Toland, Fresta parish, Uppland County in Sweden. The purpose of the paper has been to see whether the geophysical methods applied (GPR & EM-38) could produce useful results that could motivate its use in similar surveys in the future. Geochemistry has been used for the purpose of identifying possible activity areas on the site. The results have shown that it is possible with a GPR survey to identify postholes originating from the Migration Period longhouse at the site. The combining of several methods have been important for the identification and interpretation of several areas of interest.
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Ovenden, Susan Mary. "Frequency mode induced polarization for geophysical exploration in archaeology." Thesis, University of Bradford, 1990. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.305663.
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Armstrong, Kayt. "Archaeological geophysical prospection in peatland environments." Thesis, Bournemouth University, 2010. http://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/16238/.
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Waterlogged sites in peat often preserve organic material, both in the form of artefacts and pa1aeoenvironmenta1 evidence as a result of the prevailing anaerobic environment. After three decades of excavation and large scale study projects in the UK, the subdiscipline of wetland archaeology is rethinking theoretical approaches to these environments. Wet1and sites are generally discovered while they are being damaged or destroyed by human activity. The survival in situ of these important sites is also threatened by drainage, agriculture, erosion and climate change as the deposits cease to be anaerobic. Sites are lost without ever being discovered as the nature of the substrate changes. A prospection tool is badly needed to address these wet1and areas as conventional prospection methods such as aerial photography, field walking and remote sensing are not able to detect sites under the protective over burden. This thesis presents research undertaken between 2007 and 2010 at Bournemouth University. It aimed to examine the potential for conventional geophysical survey methods (resistivity, gradiometry, ground penetrating radar and frequency domain electromagnetic) as site prospection and landscape investigation tools in peatland environments. It examines previous attempts to prospect peatland sites, both in archaeology and environmental science. These attempts show that under the right circumstances, archaeological and landscape features could be detected by these methods, but that the reasons why techniques often fail are not well understood. Eight case-study sites were surveyed using a combination of conventional techniques. At three of the sites ground truthing work in the form of excavations, bulk sampling and coring was undertaken to validate the survey interpretations. This was followed up by laboratory analysis ofthe physical and chemical properties ofthe peat and mineral soils encountered. The key conclusion of the case study work undertaken is that conventional geophysical prospection tools are capable of detecting archaeological features in peat1and environments, but that the nature of the deposits encountered creates challenges in interpretation. Too few previous surveys have been adequately ground truthed to allow inferences and cross comparisons. The upland case studies demonstrated that geophysical survey on shallow types ofupland peat using conventional techniques yields useful information about prehistoric landscapes. The situation in the lowlands is more complex. In shallow peat without minerogenic layers, timber detection is possible. There are indications that in saturated peat the chemistry ofthe peat and pore water causes responses in the geophysical surveys, which could be developed as a proxy means to detect or monitor archaeological remains. On sites where the sediments are more complex or affected by desiccation, timbers were not detected with the methods attempted. However, important landscape features were and there are indications that geophysical surveys could be used as part of management and conservation strategies. This thesis concludes that geophysical prospection contributes to theoretically informed wet1and archaeology as a tool for site detection, landscape interpretation, and conservation. Future research should aim to further our understanding of the relationship between geophysical response and peat1and geochemistry, alongside a more extensive programme of surveys and ground-truthing work to improve survey methodologies and archaeological interpretations.
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Hincapie, Jaime Omar. "Shallow geophysical techniques applied to archaeology, economic geology, and groundwater resources." To access this resource online via ProQuest Dissertations and Theses @ UTEP, 2008. http://0-proquest.umi.com.lib.utep.edu/login?COPT=REJTPTU0YmImSU5UPTAmVkVSPTI=&clientId=2515.
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Roberts, Kathryn. "The archaeological applications of geophysical survey techniques." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 1994. https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/272264.
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Angel, Julie R. "Location, Location, Location: A Probabilistic Model of Banked Earthwork Placement Within the Central Ohio Landscape During the Early and Middle Woodland Periods." The Ohio State University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1274205403.
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Gavazzi, Bruno. "Méthode magnétique multi-échelle à trois dimensions appliquée à l'étude archéologique du site de Qasr 'Allam, oasis de Bahariya, Egypte." Thesis, Strasbourg, 2015. http://www.theses.fr/2015STRAG029/document.
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Cette étude propose d'examiner les vestiges archéologiques de Qasr ʿAllam enfouis sous les sédiments en développant une approche géophysique adaptée aux contextes du site. La mesure du champ total à l'aide de magnétomètres vectoriels à vanne de flux permet la mise au point de dispositifs multi-capteurs qui permettent une acquisition au rapport rapidité/densité hautement modulable. Ainsi des cartes verticales et horizontales de l'anomalie de l'intensité du champ magnétique à différentes échelles sont établies. L'utilisation et le développement d'outils d'interprétation issus de la théorie du potentiel, couplés à des fouilles ciblées, permettent à la fois de d'obtenir des informations sur les sources et d'améliorer la méthode grâce aux preuves-terrain. Les résultats ainsi obtenus révèlent la présence d'un système d'irrigation complexe et étendu, d'un ensemble cultuel massif du 8e/7e siècle avant l'ère commune et d'un second ensemble plus petit postérieur de plusieurs siècles. Entre ces deux derniers un changement environnemental brutal d'un milieu humide à aride a manifestement eu lieu. Tous ces résultats permettent d'établir des cartes des vestiges pour l'étude archéologique et l'établissement d'un périmètre de protection du siteThis study proposes to investigate the archaeological remains covered by sediments in Qasr ʿAllam by developing a geophysical method adapted to the contexts of the site. The measurement of the magnetic total field with fluxgate vector magnetometers allows the design of multi-captor devices which enable an acquisition of data with a highly adjustable rapidity/density ratio. Thus, vertical and horizontal maps of the anomaly of the magnetic total field's intensity are established. The use and development of interpretative tools derived from the theory of potential fields in association with targeted excavations allow the procurement of information on the sources as well as the improvement of the method through field evidences. The results reveal the existence of a large and intricate irrigation system, of a massive cultic facility dating from the 8th/7th century before the Common Era, and of a smaller complex built a few centuries later. Evidences also show that a massive change from humid to arid environmental conditions took place during the time separating the two latter. All these results allow the establishment of maps of the remains for archaeological studies and the establishment of a perimeter of protection of the site
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Pachos, Alexander. "An Empirical Study of Cave Passage Dimensions Using Augmented Radial and Longitudinal Survey Data." University of Akron / OhioLINK, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1221760340.
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Boddice, Daniel. "Changing geophysical contrast between archaeological features and surrounding soil." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 2015. http://etheses.bham.ac.uk//id/eprint/6270/.
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Electromagnetic (EM) techniques are used to locate and map archaeological features through differences in soil EM properties (linked to geotechnical properties and climatic conditions), but these have poorly understood seasonality to their response, and poor performance on certain (especially fine grained) soils. Customised Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) monitoring stations were used to collect hourly apparent relative dielectric permittivity (ARDP), bulk electrical conductivity (BEC) and temperature data from archaeological features and the surrounding soil matrix (SSM) for four sites over a 16-23 month period. Soil samples were taken to study links between geotechnical and EM properties in the laboratory. Differences in BEC-VWC (volumetric water content) and ARDP-VWC relationships between fine and coarse grained soils were found, but differences between archaeological and SSM soils were small, confirming field measured contrasts predominantly result from VWC differences. ARDP-VWC relationships were affected by the EM loss tangent rather than just bound water as previously suggested, making BEC and magnetic properties of the soil significant. Both archaeological and SSM soils showed similar trends in recorded values and infiltration responses after rainfall events, and differences were predominantly due to water holding capacities of the soils and variations in drying patterns which were tied to the properties of the soil, especially porosity, clay content and mineralogy. Whilst coarse grained soils showed good EM contrasts throughout, smaller contrasts were found on fine grained soils, with optimum times for detection found during dry conditions when VWC differences were at a maximum and during warm periods where BEC differences were accentuated.
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Cuenca-Garcia, Carmen. "The interface of geophysical & geochemical survey at Scottish archaeological sites : exploring the potential of an integrated approach for archaeological prospection." Thesis, University of Glasgow, 2013. http://theses.gla.ac.uk/4535/.
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This thesis illustrates how geophysical and geochemical methods can be combined to study archaeological sites and obtain enhanced interpretations of the results using the complementary information they provide. Whilst these two disciplines tend to be used independently, this thesis brings them together, with a view to exploring their relationships and developing strategies that lead to non-destructive and cost-effective surveys. The investigation focuses on the correlation of geophysical and geochemical results over common archaeological features and their analysis using soil geochemistry in order to understand the factors of contrast involved in their detection. Five case study sites in Scotland were selected, each one presenting a specific challenge to be assessed by the integrated methodology developed in this thesis. The research employed a range of geophysical (earth resistance, magnetometry, magnetic susceptibility, FDEM and GPR) and geochemical (total phosphate and multi-element analysis) techniques routinely used in archaeological prospection. The different geophysical responses obtained over targeted archaeological features were considered with respect to soil texture, organic matter content, pH, conductivity and chemical composition from archaeological deposits, topsoil and subsoil samples. The results not only provide a nuanced understanding of the character of the archaeological features surveyed, but begin to develop a better insight of how the setting of a site may affect geophysical and geochemical datasets at Scottish archaeological sites. This thesis concludes that the detection of archaeological anomalies depends upon inter-related and site-specific contrast factors including: general site settings (e.g. the effect of highly variable glacial drift deposits), the type of features to be detected (e.g. cut or impervious), and the effect of soil post-depositional processes inside archaeological features and surrounding matrix. For example, at the prehistoric site at Forteviot site (Perthshire) redox processes inside archaeological ditches contribute to their negative magnetic response. Also, chemical composition related to anthropogenic organic materials may enhance the conductivity of theoretical impervious features as illustrated at the Bay of Skaill site (Orkney).
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Weaver, Sarah A. "A Middle Woodland House and Houselot: Evidence of Sedentism from the Patton Site (33AT990), the Hocking River Valley, Southeastern Ohio." Ohio : Ohio University, 2009. http://www.ohiolink.edu/etd/view.cgi?ohiou1258066579.
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Sharpe, Lorna. "Geophysical, geochemical and arable crop responses to archaeological sites in the Upper Clyde Valley, Scotland." Thesis, University of Glasgow, 2004. http://theses.gla.ac.uk/1162/.
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This thesis considers the geochemical links between geophysical survey results from, and responses of barley crop growth to, the existence of plough-levelled archaeological sites. It takes as a starting point the results of magnetic and resistivity surveys undertaken at three sites in the Upper Clyde Valley, Lanarkshire, Scotland. Two of the three sites produced geophysical results that closely matched the evidence for archaeological remains recorded using oblique aerial photography. The third site was largely unresponsive to geophysical prospection techniques. These mixed responses prompted a closer examination of why barley crops respond to plough-levelled remains, and why the geophysical data gathered tend to correlate with the growth responses. To allow an examination of the growth responses, a series of pot-based growth experiments were carried out under glasshouse conditions, and these were followed up by ICP-MS analysis of the plants and the archaeological soils in which they had grown, in an attempt to link any changes in elemental compositions with the growth responses, and to the geophysical responses recorded at the soil sampling points or for the features from which the soils were taken. The results of the experimental work revealed that although soil moisture content has a role in the development of both crop marks and geophysical anomalies, other factors are also involved, including changes in elemental concentrations in soils and plant material, soil pH changes and the redox potential of the archaeological soils.
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Burks, Jarrod Danial. "Identifying household cluster and refuse disposal patterns at the Strait Site: a third century A.D. nucleated settlement in the Middle Ohio River Valley." The Ohio State University, 2004. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1078867989.
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Pederson, Weinberger Jennifer. "Ohio Hopewell Earthworks: an examination of site use from non-mound space at the Hopewell Site." Columbus, Ohio : Ohio State University, 2006. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=osu1141810673.
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Dionne, Charles. "DETECTING BURIED METALLIC WEAPONS IN A CONTROLLED SETTING USING A CONDUCTIVITY METER AND A GROUND-PENETRATING RADAR." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 2009. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/2846.
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Searching for buried metallic evidence at crime scenes or at potential disposal sites can be a daunting task for forensic personnel. In particular, it is common to search for a small firearm that was discarded or buried by the perpetrator. When performing forensic searches, it is recommended to first use non-invasive methods such as geophysical instruments to minimize damage to evidence and to the crime scene. Geophysical tools are used to pinpoint small areas of interest across a scene that will be invasively tested later. Prior to this project, there was no published research that tested the utility of the conductivity meter to search for metallic weapons such as firearms and blunt or sharp edged weapons. A sample comprised of 32 metallic weapons was buried in a controlled setting to test the applicability of a conductivity meter for forensic searches. Weapons were tested at multiple depths; once data collection was performed for one depth, the weapons were reburied 5cm deeper until they were no longer detected. Results obtained with conductivity meter were compared to results obtained by the ground-penetrating radar using different depths and transect intervals. The effects of several variables on detection such as weapon size, metallic composition, burial depth, and transect interval were analyzed in order to explore the limitations of each instrument. Results obtained from this controlled research can provide guidelines to help law enforcement in real-world searches.M.A.
Department of Anthropology
Sciences
Anthropology MA
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Royce, Karen Louise. "Geophysical Investigation of an Early Late Woodland Community in the Middle Ohio River Valley: The Water Plant Site." The Ohio State University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1313416567.
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Lang, Alexander Thomas Orr. "The Iron Age archaeology of the upper Thames and north Oxfordshire region, with especial reference to the eastern Cotswolds." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2009. http://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:6e97faa5-a3de-4ea0-a5e4-c59bc2d7a650.
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This thesis considers the development of settlement landscapes in the Iron Age across two adjacent regions, the upland eastern Cotswolds and lowland upper Thames valley. Previous studies have focused on the differences in settlement form, economic practice and social development and therefore the possible dichotomy of heartland and hinterland landscapes. It is clear, however, that this is due to an imbalance of research brought about as a result of the natural landscape, interests of antiquarians and archaeologists and modern settlement focus and development. A new dataset of cropmark and geophysical survey material is presented as a way of redressing the imbalance. The focus within this study on banjo enclosures also provides an opportunity to analyse what remains a relatively enigmatic and understudied site-type that appeared during the Middle and Late Iron Age. The results illustrated and discussed here provide the chance to outline new narratives that take into account both practical and non-functional interpretations. From this, more is elucidated regarding these sites within the context of Middle and Late Iron Age settlement landscape developments. By integrating this new dataset within the wider context of the upper Thames and immediate environs a number of further and more general questions have been raised. These focus on the chronology of settlement development, the appearance and growth of exchange networks and the changing significance of open and enclosed settlements throughout the period. Differences have been used in the past to symbolise alternative social systems apparent across two settlement landscapes. However, as a result of the evidence presented here these perceptions are no longer viable as an interpretive framework. Instead, aspects of chronological development, settlement space and sphere of influence and interaction are discussed in relation to the evidence from Midlands and central southern Britain.
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Bonsall, James P. T. "A reappraisal of archaeological geophysical surveys on Irish road corridors 2001-2010. With particular reference to the influence of geological, seasonal and archaeological variables." Thesis, University of Bradford, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10454/7348.
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Geophysical surveys in the Republic of Ireland and elsewhere rarely have the opportunity to receive direct, meaningful and quantitative feedback from ground observed excavations, despite their frequent occurrence as a subsequent phase of development-led archaeological projects. This research critically reappraises the largest and most coherent geophysical archive maintained by a single end-user over a ten year period. The geophysical archive has been collated from 170 reports on linear road schemes as a result of commercially-driven assessments in Ireland, to facilitate the biggest analysis of geophysical survey legacy data and subsequent detailed excavations.
The analysis of the legacy data archive has reviewed and tested the influence of key variables that have, in some circumstances, affected the methods and outcomes of geophysical assessments in Ireland over the last 10 years. By understanding the impact of those key variables upon the legacy data - which include archaeological feature type, geology, sampling strategy and seasonality - appropriate and new ways to research linear corridors have been suggested that should be employed in future geophysical survey assessments for a range of environments and archaeological site types. The comprehensive analysis of geophysical surveys from the legacy data archive has created definitive statements regarding the validity of geophysical techniques in Ireland. Key failures that occurred in the past have been identified and a thorough investigation of new and novel techniques or methods of survey will facilitate a more robust approach to geophysical survey strategies in the future. The outcomes of this research are likely to have ramifications beyond the Irish road corridors from which the legacy data derives.National Roads Authority (NRA)
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Bonsall, James Peter Thomas. "A reappraisal of archaeological geophysical surveys on Irish road corridors 2001-2010 : with particular reference to the influence of geological, seasonal and archaeological variables." Thesis, University of Bradford, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10454/7348.
Full textAbstract:
Geophysical surveys in the Republic of Ireland and elsewhere rarely have the opportunity to receive direct, meaningful and quantitative feedback from ground observed excavations, despite their frequent occurrence as a subsequent phase of development-led archaeological projects. This research critically reappraises the largest and most coherent geophysical archive maintained by a single end-user over a ten year period. The geophysical archive has been collated from 170 reports on linear road schemes as a result of commercially-driven assessments in Ireland, to facilitate the biggest analysis of geophysical survey legacy data and subsequent detailed excavations. The analysis of the legacy data archive has reviewed and tested the influence of key variables that have, in some circumstances, affected the methods and outcomes of geophysical assessments in Ireland over the last 10 years. By understanding the impact of those key variables upon the legacy data - which include archaeological feature type, geology, sampling strategy and seasonality - appropriate and new ways to research linear corridors have been suggested that should be employed in future geophysical survey assessments for a range of environments and archaeological site types. The comprehensive analysis of geophysical surveys from the legacy data archive has created definitive statements regarding the validity of geophysical techniques in Ireland. Key failures that occurred in the past have been identified and a thorough investigation of new and novel techniques or methods of survey will facilitate a more robust approach to geophysical survey strategies in the future. The outcomes of this research are likely to have ramifications beyond the Irish road corridors from which the legacy data derives.
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Saunders, Mary K. "Walking through time : a window onto the prehistory of the Yorkshire Dales through multi-method, non-standard survey approaches." Thesis, University of Bradford, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10454/15207.
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The large-scale field-systems, ubiquitous across upland and marginal parts of the Yorkshire Dales, are insecurely dated and poorly understood. Apart from some sporadic academic interest, the archaeology of this region has yet to receive the level of scholarly attention it deserves. The research presented here involved an intensive investigation of an area near Grassington, Upper Wharfedale, UK. Detailed field analysis revealed a section of one of these field-systems to be only a single element in a complex, multi-layered prehistoric landscape, which it is proposed may have roots as far back as the early Neolithic. Contextualisation of the survey area against palynological data, radiocarbon dates and comparative material moves the date of inception of the field-systems back to the middle Bronze Age, some 1000 years earlier than is currently assumed. The combination of empirical data and theoretical ideas has allowed a relative chronology to be determined in the survey area, together with the creation of a testable hypothesis surrounding the development of Upper Wharfedale and the wider Yorkshire Dales through prehistory. A sense of place and the veneration of natural places are key themes within this landscape and it was possible through these to draw out elements of prehistoric society and to show the evolution of ideas such as land tenure and monument significance. This dual empirical-theoretical approach is novel in upland landscape archaeology in the UK and is shown here to have significant merit.
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Simon, François-Xavier. "L'apport de l'outil géophysique pour la reconnaissance et la caractérisation des sites en archéologie préventive, méthodes et perspectives : exemples en Alsace." Phd thesis, Université Pierre et Marie Curie - Paris VI, 2012. http://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00749112.
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Cette étude a été motivée par un constat : malgré sa capacité à reconnaître les sites, la géophysique est absente des méthodes couramment utilisées en archéologie préventive. Nous avons donc essayé de déterminer si son apport aux différentes phases de l'étude des sites, de leur détection à leur caractérisation, est substantiel. L'Alsace fournit un cadre d'étude adéquat : grande diversité de sols, contextes environnementaux variés et forte pression démographique. 12 sites s'échelonnant du Néolithique au Second Moyen-âge ont été étudiés à travers le diagnostic, la fouille et les prospections hors emprise. Pour celles-ci, l'utilisation de la géophysique est évidente: elle renseigne l'extension des occupations par des méthodes non-intrusives en apportant des informations spatiales clés à l'échelle du site et du territoire. En association avec la fouille, sur la surface décapée, la géophysique s'avère complémentaire des observations car elle reconnaît des structures fantômes en plan et en stratigraphie. Cela entraîne une réflexion sur la nature des vestiges et la façon dont ils sont appréhendés. Sur le diagnostic, la géophysique apporte une information spatiale nécessaire à l'identification du site : elle ignore les limitations des sondages mécaniques systématiques en remettant en contexte les structures isolées, en fournissant une vue générale du site et en reconnaissant des structures entre et dans le prolongement des tranchées. Au final, la géophysique devrait être intégrée à la carte archéologique, à l'instar des autres méthodes de prospections qui, pondérées par leur efficacité, permettraient de repenser la gestion et la conservation du patrimoine archéologique insitu.
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Kelly, Michael A. "Spatial association in archaeology. Development of statistical methodologies and computer techniques for spatial association of surface, lattice and point processes, applied to prehistoric evidence in North Yorkshire and to the Heslerton Romano-British site." Thesis, University of Bradford, 1986. http://hdl.handle.net/10454/4397.
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The thesis investigates the concepts of archaeological spatial
association within the context of both site and regional data sets.
The techniques of geophysical surveying, surface distribution
collection and aerial photography are described and discussed.
Several new developments of technique are presented as well as a
detailed discussion of the problems of data presentation and
analysis.
The quantitative relationships between these data sets are
explored by modelling them as operands and describing association in
terms of operators. Both local and global measures of association
are considered with a discussion as to their relative merits.
Methods for the spatial association of regional lattice and point
processes are developed. A detailed discussion of distance based
spatial analysis techniques is presented.
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Kelly, Michael Anthony. "Spatial association in archaeology : development of statistical methodologies and computer techniques for spatial association of surface, lattice and point processes, applied to prehistoric evidence in North Yorkshire and to the Heslerton Romano-British site." Thesis, University of Bradford, 1986. http://hdl.handle.net/10454/4397.
Full textAbstract:
The thesis investigates the concepts of archaeological spatial association within the context of both site and regional data sets. The techniques of geophysical surveying, surface distribution collection and aerial photography are described and discussed. Several new developments of technique are presented as well as a detailed discussion of the problems of data presentation and analysis. The quantitative relationships between these data sets are explored by modelling them as operands and describing association in terms of operators. Both local and global measures of association are considered with a discussion as to their relative merits. Methods for the spatial association of regional lattice and point processes are developed. A detailed discussion of distance based spatial analysis techniques is presented.
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Healy, Carrie. "Detecting Submerged Remains: Controlled Research Using Side-Scan Sonar to Detect Proxy Cadavers." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 2012. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/5296.
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While side-scan sonar has become a valuable geophysical tool for forensic water searches, controlled research is paramount to determine the best practices for searches in aquatic environments as it provides a structured environment in which to investigate variables that influence the effectiveness of the technology and provides valuable experience for sonar operators. The purpose of this research is to conduct controlled research in order to evaluate the applicability of side-scan sonar to searches involving submerged firearms and proxy cadavers. In addition, the best practices for employing this technology in forensic searches in freshwater ponds and lakes in a humid, subtropical environment in Central Florida would be developed. Five street-level firearms were submerged in a pond, and two sets of three pig carcasses (Sus scrofa), utilized as proxies for human bodies, were staked to the bottom of a pond for this research. Transects were conducted over the firearms and the pig carcasses utilizing side-scan sonar. The first set of pig carcasses represented a child size (30-32 kg) and the second set a small adult size (51-54 kg). Results show that firearms were not detected due to the terrain and small size. However, this technology successfully located small to medium-sized proxy carcasses on a flat, sandy lake bottom when experienced operators were conducting the search. Conversely, vegetation obscured submerged bodies. While the smaller carcasses were difficult to detect throughout the data collection, medium-sized carcasses were easily discerned. Moreover, the medium-sized carcasses decomposed at the same rate as previous studies and were visible throughout each stage of decomposition. Finally, employing a 900 kHz frequency with a 20 m swath-width provided the best search parameters. Therefore, in the appropriate conditions,side-scan sonar is an effective tool for locating submerged bodies in freshwater lakes and ponds in a humid, subtropical environment.M.A.
Masters
Anthropology
Sciences
Anthropology
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OBRADOVIC, Marija. "Interdisciplinary three-dimensional investigation of the Early Prehistoric deposits of Fumane Cave (Verona, Italy)." Doctoral thesis, Università degli studi di Ferrara, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/11392/2496455.
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La tesi è focalizzata sulla realizzazione delle indagini geofisiche e topografiche tridimensionali, applicabile sui siti preistorici e basate sull’esempio della Grotta di Fumane (Verona, Italia). I metodi applicati includono la tomografia di resistività elettrica (ERT), le onde sismiche di superficie (HVSR), laser scanner e fotogrammetria. Lo studio ha coinvolto l'uso delle due configurazioni elettrodiche, Wenner-Schlumberger (WSC) e PolePole (PP), sia per avere maggiore risoluzione nei primi 2-3 metri del deposito, sia per ottenere informazioni sulla profondità totale del deposito e la posizione del sostrato roccioso. Le onde sismiche superficiali possono mostrare il rapporto di ampiezza fra gli elementi orizzontali e verticali del moto secondo lo spessore e parametri elastici di strati in prossimità della superficie, variazioni di velocità e fornire informazioni sulla geometria della roccia. Modelli d’inversione 2D e 3D hanno prodotto le immagini suggestive di resistività, che hanno fornito informazioni sul sottosuolo, indicando le aree di bassi valori di resistività che potenzialmente possono contenere il materiale archeologico. Inoltre, la profondità massima dei depositi si crede di essere circa 4-5 metri sulla base delle immagini di resistività Polo-Polo, mentre la profondità massima d’indagine era di circa 8 metri, confermata anche dai dati sismici.
Confrontando i dati della resistività, sismici e archeologici, è possibile caratterizzare meglio la natura del riempimento e di localizzare diversi processi post-deposizionali coinvolti nella creazione del deposito. Laser scanner e rilievo fotogrammetrico hanno fornito il modello tridimensionale della grotta e delle colonne stratigrafiche ad alta risoluzione, che rappresentano il punto di partenza per la modellazione dei dati geofisici. Inoltre, l'indagine dettagliata delle superfici, come pareti della grotta, colonne stratigrafia e le sezioni di scavo, hanno un aspetto importante per la documentazione archeologica, future ricerche, l'interpretazione e l'archiviazione del sito.The study is focused on implementation of integrated, three-dimensional geophysical and topographical surveys investigation of Early Prehistoric sites on the example of Fumane Cave (Verona, Italy). The methods applied include electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), seismic surface waves (HVSR), laser scanner and photogrammetry. The study involved the use of two resistivity arrays, Wenner-Schlumberger (WSC) and Pole-Pole (PP), both for the shallow resolution in the first 2-3 meters of the deposit and to get information about the total depth and the position of bedrock. Seismic surface-waves may show amplitude resonances at certain frequencies depending on the thickness and elastic parameters of near-surface layers seismic velocity variations and can provide information about the geometry of the bedrock. Two and three-dimensional inversion models provided suggestive resistivity images, that provided detailed information about deposit’s texture spatial characteristics, indicating areas of low resistivity values where potential archaeological materials may be found. Moreover, the maximum depth of the deposits is believed to be around 4-5 m based on the Pole-Pole resistivity images, while the maximum depth of investigation was around 8 meters confirmed by seismic data. Furthermore, by comparing the resistivity, seismic and archaeological data, it is possible to characterise better the nature of sedimentary infill and to locate different post depositional processes involved into the creation of cave deposit. Laser scanner and photogrammetric survey provided georeferenced, high-resolution, three-dimensional, morphologically accurate model of the cave and stratigraphy profiles, serving as a starting point for the modelling of the geophysical data. Furthermore, the detailed survey of the surfaces, such as cave walls, stratigraphy sections and excavation sections, is an important aspect of archaeological data collection, investigation, interpretation and archiving of the site.
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Gondet, Sébastien. "Occupation de la plaine de Persépolis au Ier millénaire av. J.-C. (Fars central, Iran)." Thesis, Lyon 2, 2011. http://www.theses.fr/2011LYO20026/document.
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Fondée par Darius Ier (522-486 av. J.-C.), Persépolis constituait une des résidences royales temporaires des souverains de l’Empire achéménide (550-330 av. J.-C.). Elle était également un centre administratif et économique, capitale d’une vaste province, la Perse, située au cœur de l’Empire. L’organisation de Persépolis reste largement méconnue de même que celle du vaste territoire, la plaine environnante, qu’elle contrôlait.Notre étude vise à mieux comprendre d’une part l’occupation du site de Persépolis qui va de la terrasse monumentale à la nécropole royale à 6 km au nord, d’autre part la mise en valeur de la plaine, en replaçant la période achéménide dans le contexte plus large du Ier millénaire av. J.-C. Dans un premier temps, l’étude prend en compte les dynamiques environnementales de la région. Les recherches sont fondées sur les méthodes de prospections archéologiques (reconnaissances à vue et méthodes géophysiques). Elle aboutit à une reconstitution d’une ville répartie en plusieurs blocs de fonctions différentes (habitats ordinaires, zones artisanales, résidences de l’élite et bâtiments de prestige) séparés les uns des autres par de vastes espaces non-bâtis mais probablement aménagés.Pour la plaine (100 km par 30 km), la prospection des sites achéménides a dû prendre en compte les graves destructions liées à la modernisation (agriculture, urbanisation, voies de communication) et s’est concentrée sur quelques sites préservés et des zones de piedmonts sélectionnées. Ces recherches ont montré une occupation très distendue essentiellement localisée dans la partie nord de la plaine et incluant la zone de Persépolis. La partie sud de la plaine était beaucoup moins exploitée. Cependant cette reconstitution doit tenir compte de la réduction sévère du potentiel archéologique, tout particulièrement dans le cadre de l’étude de l’occupation à la période achéménide, lorsque l’exploitation du sol reposait sur des installations rurales de dimensions modestesFounded by Darius I (522-486 BC), Persepolis represented one of the seats of the kings of the Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BC). Moreover, the site served as an administrative and economic centre and acted as capital for the vast province, named Persia, situated in the heart of the Empire. The spatial character of both the royal site as well as the wider hinterland it controlled, the vast surrounding plain, are however largely unknown.The study aims at providing better insight in both the occupation of the site of Persepolis, stretching from the monumental terrace to the royal necropolis 6 km farther north, along with that of the supporting plain. It therefore frames and evaluates the Achaemenid period within the context of the first millennium BC. At the outset, the study integrates the environmental dynamics of the region. The research was based on the methods of archaeological survey (field survey and geophysical methods) and allowed to reconstruct a ‘city’ composed of different functional zones (common housing, industrial quarters, elite residences, and royal monuments) separated from one another by large areas, presumably unbuilt though exploited.For the plain (100 by 30 km), the survey of Achaemenid sites was biased by the important destructions by recent development (industrialised agriculture, urbanism, transport and communication). Research has therefore been focussed on a number of preserved sites on the one hand and on selected piedmont areas on the other. These surveys brought to light a scattered occupation, predominantly situated in the northern part of the plain, also encompassing the Persepolis zone, while the southern region of the plain was less occupied. Nonetheless, this reconstruction should take into account the important reduction of archaeological potential, particularly in the case of a study focussing on the Achaemenid occupation since settlement in the wider Persepolis area was first and foremost of rural natural and of rather modest size
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Bruniaux, Guillaume. "Reconstitution paléogéographique et prospection archéologique en zone littorale par approches géophysiques multi-méthodes et multi-échelles." Thesis, La Rochelle, 2017. http://www.theses.fr/2017LAROS026/document.
Full textAbstract:
L’étude archéologique d’un site est réalisée sur la base d’une fouille, qui est une étude précise sur une ouverture restreinte. En amont de cette opération, la prospection géophysique offre la possibilité de localiser une zone susceptible d’apporter des informations majeures par une cartographie détaillée du site. Ces travaux de thèse se focalisent sur un protocole original de prospection magnétique pour détecter des structures pluri-métriques à pluri-décimétriques et une démarche méthodologique pour estimer la conservation d’un niveau d’occupation archéologique. Ces développements ont été réalisés pour apporter un maximum d’information sur l’occupation anthropique et cibler une zone de fouille suivant la problématique archéologique associée au site. Dans les zones littorales et suivant la période chronologique considérée, l’environnement associé à une occupation était différent. La modification relativement rapide des environnements côtiers résulte de la remontée du niveau marin depuis la fin du dernier maximum glaciaire. Dans le cadre d'une étude paléoenvironnementale associée à un site, l’objectif de la prospection géophysique est similaire à celle effectuée pour une fouille : localiser une zone d’implantation des carottages paléoenvironnementaux. La démarche méthodologique développée dans ces travaux est basée sur une approche paléogéographique de l’environnement à partir de prospections géophysiques multi-méthodes et multi-échelles. Des prospections électromagnétiques (Slingram), des sections électriques et des diagraphies électriques (direct-push) apportent une représentation cartographique et stratigraphique des contrastes géophysiques de la subsurface. Deux zones d’étude ont été sélectionnées pour tester et mettre en place ces démarches méthodologiques, le site néolithique du Pontet (Charente-Maritime) et les ports antiques de Narbonne. Ces deux sites sont dans des contextes archéologiques, géographiques et géologiques différentsArchaeological study of a site is based on an excavation which is a comprehensive study on a restricted gap. Before excavation, geophysical survey supplies the possibility to locate an area likely to provide details by detailed mapping of the site. This PhD work focus on an original magnetic survey protocol to detect pluri-metric and pluri-decimetric structures and a methodological approach to estimate the conservation of an archaeological level occupation. These developments have provided maximum information on anthropogenic settlement and to target excavation zone according to the archaeological problem of the site. In coastal zones and according to the considered chronological period, the environment of the settlement was different. The relatively rapid change in coastal environments results from the rise of sea level since the end of the last glacial maximum. As part of a paleoenvironmental study of a site, the objective of geophysical survey is similar to that for excavation : locating an area to paleoenvironmental coring. The methodological approach developed in this work is based on a paleogeographic approach to the site environment using multi-method and multi-scale geophysical surveys. Electromagnetic survey (Slingram), electrical tomography and direct-push electrical resistivity logging provide a cartographic and stratigraphic representation of the geophysical contrasts of the subsurface. Two study areas were selected to test and implement these methodological approaches, the Neolithic site of Le Pontet (Charente-Maritime) and the ancient harbours of Narbonne. These two sites are in different archaeological, geographical and geological contexts
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Brady-Rawlins, Kathleen L. "The O.C. Voss Site: reassessing what we know about the Fort Ancient occupation of the central Scioto drainage and its tributaries." Columbus, Ohio : Ohio State University, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=osu1180454140.
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Links, FE. "Geophysical mapping of subsurface archaeological features at the Port Arthur Historic Site, Tasmania, Australia." Thesis, 2008. https://eprints.utas.edu.au/20670/1/whole_LinksFionaElizabeth2008_thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
The Port Arthur Historic Site, located in southeastern Tasmania, is a significant heritage-listed site which operated as a major convict settlement between 1830 and 1877. It was largely destroyed in the intervening years due to bushfires and demolition activities. Multi-disciplinary research over the past 30 years has generated a rich contextual framework of knowledge about the 19th century convict and post-penal periods, however information about buried physical evidence of the associated buildings, landscape features and cultural deposits that remain in the subsurface is very limited.
A range of geophysical techniques for mapping subsurface cultural features of archaeological value were assessed at three areas within the Port Arthur Historic Site: the Isle of the Dead, Settlement Hill and the Penitentiary Complex. Each of these areas is located within a distinct geological domain, and hosts different archaeological targets and near-surface stratigraphic conditions. Geophysical results were compared with historical documents, including maps and photographs, and oral sources. Archaeological ground-truthing was also employed to explore some features identified at Settlement Hill and the Penitentiary Complex.
Research on the Isle of the Dead cemetery aimed to map individual burials, former pathways and other cultural elements, and major stratigraphic interfaces. Prior knowledge of the cemetery layout on the 0.8 hectare island is limited to historic photographs, surface evidence (grave markers and depressions) and incomplete documentation — estimates of the total number of graves range from 1100 to over 1700. Magrtetometry and frequency-domain electro-magnetics were effective in delineating near-surface ferrous cultural features such as former fence lines and paths but were ineffective for detecting burials. Resistivity imaging and seismic refraction tomography helped to resolve the stratigraphic context but were also ineffective for direct detection of burial sites. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) was the most effective technique for locating both individual burials and zones of stratigraphic disturbance. Radar data were very complex and the final interpretation product was a series of maps that depict the density of subsurface ground disturbance rather than more conventional products that illustrate the distribution of hyperbolic responses or amplitude time-slice maps.
At Settlement Hill the main aim was to delineate subsurface structural remains in an area with multiple generations of convict era construction. Much of the site is characterised by a thin layer of demolition rubble. Magnetic data in this area is typified by high-amplitude, high-frequency anomalies attributable to natural variations in magnetic dolerite bedrock depth, as well as variations due to penal era cultural features such as terrace excavations, trenches and an aqueduct. Clear rectilinear anomalies in the 500MHz GPR timeslices and apparent resistivity variation map are attributed to very shallow well-preserved structural features, which correlate closely to the building layout available in several historic maps.
Surveys were conducted at two sites in the Penitentiary complex: the Sawpits - Tannery Complex and the Parade Ground area. Both sites are characterised by heterogeneous penal and post-penal fill material. At the Sawpits - Tannery Complex, 500 MHz GPR profiling and electrical resistivity tomography successfully map foundation walls, sawpit fill deposits, yard features and reclamation structures. The rubble fill stratigraphy apparent in the GPR data also provides indirect evidence of the Sawpits boundary. Resistivity tomography also clearly defines the interface between reclamation fill and underlying remnant Quaternary beach sands.
Integrated interpretation of multiple geophysical datasets from the Penitentiary Parade Ground area enabled the detection and characterisation of a diverse range of penal era archaeological targets, including sections of the parade ground wall, the parade ground gravel surface and remnants of the tramway. The most effective techniques in this complex environment are apparent resistivity and GPR, while the magnetic response is complicated by the presence of magnetic dolerite fill material.
A range of geophysical techniques have been successfully applied at the Port Arthur Historic Site for detection and characterisation of a diverse range of subsurface cultural heritage features. However, there is no single technique or recipe for future archaeo-geophysical activities that can be readily applied across the entire site. The choice of the optimal technique or combination of techniques for a particular site should be based on a prior assessment of the local geological conditions and likely target characteristics.
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Schmidt, Armin R., P. Linford, N. Linford, A. David, Christopher F. Gaffney, A. Sarris, and J. Fassbinder. "EAC Guidelines for the use of Geophysics in Archaeology: Questions to Ask and Points to Consider." 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10454/8129.
Full textAbstract:
These guidelines provide an overview of the issues to
be considered when undertaking or commissioning
geophysical survey in archaeology. As every project diff ers
in its requirements (e.g. from fi nding sites to creating
detailed maps of individual structures) and variations in
geological and environmental conditions lead to diff erent
geophysical responses, there is no single ‘best’ survey
technique or methodology. Th is guide, in its European
approach, highlights the various questions to be asked
before a survey is undertaken. It does not provide recipebook
advice on how to do a geophysical survey or a tick
list of which technique is suitable under what conditions.
Experienced archaeological geophysicists should be
consulted to address the questions that are being posed.
Using geophysical techniques and methods inappropriately
will lead to disappointment and may, ultimately, result
in archaeologists not using them at all. “If all you have is
a hammer (or magnetometer), driving a screw becomes
impossible”.
Especially in the American literature the term ‘remote
sensing’ is oft en used to describe geophysical as well as
air and space based exploration of underground features
(e.g. Wiseman and El-Baz 2007). By contrast, and in line
with European traditions, a clear distinction is made
here between ground-based geophysical techniques and
remote sensing techniques. Th is is based on the imaging
principles underlying the respective technologies. Ground
based systems usually collect one spatially registered data
sample from each sensor location (e.g. a single reading
for each magnetometer, or a single trace from each GPR
antenna). Remote sensing techniques, by contrast, collect
spatially resolved data from a whole area of investigation
from each sensor location, using either the system’s optical
aperture (e.g. photography) or a scanning device (e.g. laser
sampling).
These guidelines are based on the experience of the authors
in archaeological geophysics and infl uenced by various
published sources.
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Bonsall, James P. T., and Christopher F. Gaffney. "Change is good: adapting strategies for archaeological prospection in a rapidly changing technological world." 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10454/11148.
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Gaffney, Vincent L., W. Neubauer, P. Garwood, Christopher F. Gaffney, K. Locker, R. Bates, Smedt P. De, et al. "Durrington Walls and the Stonehenge Hidden Landscape Project 2010-2016." 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10454/16081.
Full textAbstract:
YesSince 2010 the Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project (SHLP) has undertaken extensive archaeological prospection across much of the landscape surrounding Stonehenge. These remote sensing and geophysical surveys have revealed a significant number of new sites and landscape features whilst providing new information on many previously known monuments. The project goal to integrate multimethod mapping over large areas of the landscape has also provided opportunities to re-interpret the landscape context of individual monuments and, in the case of the major henge at Durrington Walls, to generate novel insights into the structure and sequence of a monument which has attracted considerable research attention over many decades. This paper outlines the recent work of the SHLP and the results of survey at Durrington Walls that shed new light on this enigmatic monument including a site ‘hidden’ within the monument.
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Gaffney, Vincent L., E. Baldwin, M. Bates, C. R. Bates, Christopher F. Gaffney, D. Hamilton, T. Kinnaird, et al. "A massive, Late Neolithic pit structure associated with Durrington Walls Henge." 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10454/18007.
Full textAbstract:
YesA series of massive geophysical anomalies, located south of the Durrington Walls henge monument, were identified during fluxgate gradiometer survey undertaken by the Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project (SHLP). Initially interpreted as dewponds, these data have been re-evaluated, along with information on similar features revealed by archaeological contractors undertaking survey and excavation to the north of the Durrington Walls henge. Analysis of the available data identified a total of 20 comparable features, which align within a series of arcs adjacent to Durrington Walls. Further geophysical survey, supported by mechanical coring, was undertaken on several geophysical anomalies to assess their nature, and to provide dating and environmental evidence. The results of fieldwork demonstrate that some of these features, at least, were massive, circular pits with a surface diameter of 20m or more and a depth of at least 5m. Struck flint and bone were recovered from primary silts and radiocarbon dating indicates a Late Neolithic date for the lower silts of one pit. The degree of similarity across the 20 features identified suggests that they could have formed part of a circuit of large pits around Durrington Walls, and this may also have incorporated the recently discovered Larkhill causewayed enclosure. The diameter of the circuit of pits exceeds 2km and there is some evidence that an intermittent, inner post alignment may have existed within the circuit of pits. One pit may provide evidence for a recut; suggesting that some of these features could have been maintained through to the Middle Bronze Age. Together, these features represent a unique group of features related to the henge at Durrington Walls, executed at a scale not previously recorded.
The University of Bradford Research Development Fund and the University of St Andrews funded this open access publication.
Supplementary data can be found at https://intarch.ac.uk/journal/issue55/4/supp-text.html