Geophys i cs can a id a rchaeo log i ca linvestigations immensely. The use of the abovetechniques can provide rapid coverage of a sitewhere archaeological remains are believed toexist. Success relies on using staff qualified andexperienced in both geophysics andarchaeology. Surveys should be conducted withthe appropriate methods and practices inaccordance with guidance set out by the Institutefor Archaeologists and English Heritage. Datacan aid greatly in targeting archaeological digsby supplying accurate data from which initialinterpretations of archaeological remains can bemade.

Survey examplesLocating Historic Ruins

In the example an integrated geophysical survey comprising earth resistance (photo above) and EM (colouredmap above) was conducted on the site of a medieval abbey to determine the presence of buried foundations, walls andother remains of former standing structures of archaeological interest at the site. Buried walls have a higher resistancethan compared with the surrounding soils.

This information was used by the client to target an archaeological dig. As a result of the geophysical investigation thetime and expense of a large system of exploratory trenches was avoided.

above

Archaeological Evaluation

In the example , a magnetometer survey wasconducted over a large proposed wind farm site.The survey was undertaken so that the mostsensitive archaeological areas could be avoided bythe development at the planning stage. Due to thescale of the site, preliminary detailed surveys wereconducted around each turbine position and alongeach construction route. Areas of particulararchaeological potential were identified for targetedfollow-up surveys.

right

Magnetometer survey data showingnumerous circular features which are

interpreted as ring ditches

Geophysics can also play animportant role in the detection ofhuman remains and other buriedobjects, in particular clandestineunmarked graves, as part of forensicinvestigations.

ARCHAEOLOGY

Scale (metres)

0 10 20 30

Geophysical Techniques Available]

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]

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Magnetic Gradiometry

Electrical ResistivityGround Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Electromagnetic Mapping (EM)

For further information, visit us at www.rsk.co.uk or contact:George Tuckwell: gtuckwell@rsk.co.uk (Tel: +44 (0)1442 416656)

Reflection anomalies consistentwith the presence of graves

Locating Graves over a Historic Burial Ground

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) was used over a historic burial ground. The technique offers a quick andreliable means of detecting buried objects such as unmarked clandestine graves. The use of GPR is idealbecause it is non-destructive therefore preserving the cemetery and the graves. As shownthe reflection anomalies recorded in the data are interpreted to provide extent depth and location.

below

Locating archeological features

(m)

(m)

The 3D datacube view aboveallows visualisation of the data

at depth across a large spacial extent.

ARCHAEOLOGY

Interpretation and Excavation

In the example on the site of aproposed windfarm in Leicestershire, thedata shows a large anomaly in the easternfield (A) which is related to a capped coalmine shaft. In the western field, the datashows numerous linear and strongly circularfeatures indicative of human activity (B).

Subsequent trial trenching (marked C)across the circular feature encountered aditch filled with animal bones and mid to lateiron age pottery.

This is a good example of how excavationcan be targeted to avoid ‘blind trenching’.The data also shows how more recenthuman activity can completely mask theresponse from previous activities.

right

A

B

metres

50 50

Magnetic data collection on a winters day

A

C

C

1. MAGNETIC DATA

2. DATA INTERPRETATION

3. RECORDING FEATURES IN TRENCH

For further information, visit us at www.rsk.co.uk or contact:George Tuckwell: gtuckwell@rsk.co.uk (Tel: +44 (0)1442 416656)