Beyond the Surface: The Role of Geophysical Techniques in Archaeological Surveying
Archaeological research surveying uses various techniques and tools to identify, map and analyse buried features and artifacts. While traditional methods such as excavation and surface surveying are commonly used, geophysical techniques have become increasingly popular.
This blog will explore the role of geophysical techniques in archaeological surveying, their advantages and their limitations.
What are Geophysical Techniques?
Geophysical techniques involve the use of instruments that measure the physical properties of the soil and rocks beneath the surface to identify anomalies that may be indicative of buried archaeological features. Some of the most commonly used geophysical techniques in archaeological surveying include the following.
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
GPR is a non-destructive technique that uses radar pulses to create an image of the subsurface. It can identify changes in the soil structure and detect buried features such as walls, floors, and artifacts.
Magnetometry
Magnetometry measures the magnetic properties of the soil and can identify buried features that contain magnetic materials, such as iron.
Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT)
ERT measures the electrical resistance of the soil and can identify changes in the soil structure caused by buried features.
What Are the Advantages of Geophysical Techniques?
One of the main advantages of geophysical techniques is their non-destructive nature. They allow archaeologists to survey large areas without disturbing the soil, which is especially useful in areas with cultural or environmental sensitivities. Geophysical techniques can also provide information about buried features that may not be visible on the surface, making it easier to plan and target excavation efforts.
What Are the Limitations of Geophysical Techniques?
While geophysical techniques have many advantages, they also have some limitations. One of the main challenges is the interpretation of the data. The anomalies detected by the instruments may not always be indicative of buried archaeological features and can have other explanations, such as natural geological formations. Additionally, the resolution of the images produced by the instruments can be limited, which may make it difficult to identify small features.
Summary
Geophysical techniques have become an increasingly important tool in archaeological surveying, allowing archaeologists to explore large areas quickly and non-destructively. While these techniques have many advantages, they also have limitations, and their results must be interpreted with caution. Ultimately, a combination of geophysical techniques, surface surveying and excavation is often required to fully understand the archaeological landscape. If you would like to find out more, contact an archaeological consultant today. They will be happy to help.
