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American Database of Archaeological GeophysicsArticles by Journal: Geoarchaeology
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American Database of Archaeological GeophysicsArticles by Journal: Geoarchaeology
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The location of the original Wright Brother's hangar near Dayton, Ohio, was surveyed with the help of an aerial photograph, georeferencing software, and multiple geophysical techniques. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic, and magnetic surveys were employed. The hangar was destroyed during World War II renovation activities. The results of the geophysical surveys identify two rectangular areas that match where the location of the hanger was thought to be located. A third area was postulated to be an area where the materials from the hanger were bulldozed and burned. Exploratory work has been proposed to confirm and further explain the geophysical findings. Summary by NADAG staff.
Cape Henlopen, Delaware, is located at the confluence of Delaware Bay and the Alantic Ocean.The Coastal Spit complex was occupied by prehistoric people throughout the evolution of the ancestral cape. Site 7S-D-30B, located in the center of a tide dominated back-barrier marsh within the Cape Henlopen Archaeological District, was investigated using a Ground-penetrating Radar (GPR) survey. Four major sets of reflections were observed with maximum radar waves penetrating to a depth of seven meters. Three of the reflections were interpreted as geomorphic units associated with the spit complex and the fourth was identified as a shell midden. The extent of the shell midden was mapped with GPR providing a horizonal extent of (approximately 250m2) and a depth of up to 2.1 meters. The survey was also used to determine the paleoenvironmental settings and antecedent topography prior to the occupation. It appears that the shell midden was located on an aeolian dune surface and the present day topographic high was parallelled by a one meter deep trough cut five meters north. The GPR survey demonstrates the noninvasive and usefullness of this geophysical methodology on coastal archaeological sites. It can be used to plan excavation strategies and to provide constraints on environmental settings and terrain topography used by the prehistoric inhabitants. Summary by NADAG staff.
Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) was used in the exploration of a buried 6th century archaeological site of Ceren, in El Salvador. The site is presently covered with 5 meters of volcanic overburden. Preserved beneath this volcanic flow is an agricultural village, including twenty-six preserved structures, plants, argricultural fields, and other features of the surrounding landscape. Computer-processing techniques made it possible to re-create a two dimensional landscape which was used to aid in identification and interpretation of the anomalies. This use of GPR shows the powerful potential of this method as a tool for the archaeologist. Summary by NADAG staff.
A subsurface stratigraphic sequence is reconstructed for the Lime Creek Paleoindian Site located in southern Nebraska by correlating and comparing data between continuous core and drill cuttings from drill holes and bore hole geophysical logs . Sedimentary layers and a significant buried soil horizon were observed throughout the preserved terrace. A comparison of lithologic and radiocarbon data from recent core holes was compared to geophysical information collected in 1993 from well bores. These data were integrated with archaeological artifacts and profiles collected between 1947-1950. The next step was a paleotopographic analysis of the soil horizon containing the majority of the artifacts. The 10,000 B.P. living surface was determined to be on the banks of an abandoned channel that ran parallel to modern Lime Creek. This bank is now deeply buried. Paleoindian people would have favored this bank location with its large bluff to the north and its protection from the cold northerly winds. Summary by NADAG staff.
Magnetic prospection surveys conducted in the 1960s were accompanied by exploration processes and factors controlling magnetically enhanced soils. After a period of great advancements there appeared to be a downswing. That is now reversing and research within the fields of magnetism and environmental magnetism have created a greater understanding of these processes and products. A case study is presented using the Cahokia Mounds site in southwestern Illinois. Through this example a summary of a variety of soil magnetic techniques and how they can be utilized to aid in undertanding archaeological sites, features, and environments is given. Summary by NADAG staff.
Resistivity was successfully used to guide test excavtions at the Talgua Village site in eastern Hondouras. Subsurface cultural features were mapped and ground-truthing excavations comfirmed high-resistivity anomalies were small cobbles imported to fill in low spots in this prehistoric settlement. It was also revealed that the mounds on the site were built on normal subsoil. However, at least one of the plazas was constructed on a topographic low which had been filled with the imported stones. The volume of imported stones is over 500 m3, demonstrating a significant public cooperative effort. These imported fill areas could be mapped across the entire site. Additionally, this technique could be used at other prehistoric sites in the region to look for similar features. Resistivity profiles demonstrate a quick, inexpensive, accurate and noninvasive method for determining the modification of the landscape at Talgua Village. Summary by NADAG staff.