#resistivity

Archaeo-Geophysics

When we think of archaeology, a common mental image formed in our heads is that of an excavation, where the archaeologists studying the area use special tools to ever so carefully reveal artifacts and remains buried below the surface. What happens before the digging starts, however? How is an excavation site chosen and how does one determine where something of interest may lie?

There are many answers to this question, including searching for changes in soil and the outcropping of ancient structures, but a relatively new set of methods has made it easier for archaeologists to gain information about the past while minimizing the amount of disturbance the site that they are working on experiences. These non-invasive methods, grouped under the title “archaeo-geophysics” utilize geophysical methods such as ground penetrating radar, electrical resistivity, and magnetic surveys to see beneath the ground detecting and resolving objects through their electrical and magnetic properties.

These techniques have been gaining a foothold in archaeology, allowing for targeted exploration of sites and even replacing the need for excavation and the resulting expensive maintenance of uncovered ruins, in some instances. According to an article in National Geographic, a buried ancient Roman village in Portugal was reconstructed virtual based on these non-invasive methods, avoiding damage to the site and enabling a 3D reconstruction of what the village would have been like when it was populated.

The benefits to these methods are that they are non-destructive and still provide a wealth of information to archaeologists without risking possible damage or expensive maintenance to protect these buildings from the elements, but for many, they lack the tangible component that draws tourists to these sites in the first place, the ability to feel like a part of history. While that certainly is a drawback, the increasing use of these methods will result in the exploration of sites that will minimize damage and result in information that was previously inaccessible, such as sites that were built over by modern structures. Maybe in the future (assuming the invention of a Star Trek-like holosuite) it will be possible to stroll through a hologram of an ancient city discovered through these techniques!

-AND

Image Credit: https://flic.kr/p/n4vQSZ -Photo by Carole Raddato

Sources:

http://www.spoilheap.co.uk/archae.htm

http://bit.ly/1GZk3EY

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