Locating a historical site Flashcards
What is resistivity survey? and examples (geophysical Survery)
resistivity meter pass electric current between 2 metal probes in ground to measure resistance of soil to current. Based on amt of moisture in soil
e.g. walls- high resistance
pits/ditches- low resistance
What is magnetic survey and examples? (geophysical survey)
proton magnetometer detect magnetic properties of subsurface materials.
Highest reading- iron, brick, burned soil, rock, so archaeological features made of these materials easily detected
Low- decays organic material, disturbed soil
What is Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)?
- radar signal (electromagnetic pulse) directed to ground.
- time it takes for signal to reflect to receiver indicate depth.
- Receiver records reflection from buried objects and changes in soil composition
- most useful in sandy soil conditions, eg Egypt
Aerial photography, crop marks?
landscape photographed from sky.
study of image reveal difference heights/colour of crops planted on soils covering remains of buildings, walls or roads.
(ditches = more room for roots and nutrients= bigger plabt
Aerial photography, shadow marks?
visible from air when low earthworks/mounds cast shadows at dawn, sunset or sun low in sky in Winter.
reveal presence of site
How can sites be uncovered by chance/luck?
Uncovered by accident
- weather expose = wind erosion, water (mudslide) dirt goes away
- new buildings = dig up ground
- war= bombing and trenches
What are oral traditions that can help with locating site?
myths, stories
What can written record give archaeologists to dig?
clues where to dig
What is the methodology of finding a site?
- find site
- excavate
- record discovery
- examine and investigate finds
- analyse and interpret
- publish finding
What do geophysical surveys produce? (GPR, Magnetic, Resistivity)
produce visual plans of the features of site below surface
