A Field Guide to Geophysics in Archaeology


Book Description

Geophysics operations in archaeology have become well known through exposure on television. However, the technique is presented as the action of specialists and something of a mystery, where people walk about with strange contraptions, and results appear from a computer. This is not the case, however. Some scientific knowledge is needed in order to understand how the machines work and what they detect but otherwise it is only necessary to know how to handle the instruments, how to survey a field and how to interpret the computer results. This book provides all the relevant information. It explains geophysics operations in archaeology, describes the science that gives the soil properties to measure and the means by which the instruments make their measurements. Dr John Oswin is in charge of the geophysics operation of the Bath and Camerton Archaeological Society and his work has recently been the subject of a television programme. He has taught many students how to use geophysical equipment.




A Field Guide to Geophysics in Archaeology


Book Description

Geophysics operations in archaeology have become well known through exposure on television. However, the technique is presented as the action of specialists and something of a mystery, where people walk about with strange contraptions, and results appear from a computer. This is not the case, however. Some scientific knowledge is needed in order to understand how the machines work and what they detect but otherwise it is only necessary to know how to handle the instruments, how to survey a field and how to interpret the computer results. This book provides all the relevant information. It explains geophysics operations in archaeology, describes the science that gives the soil properties to measure and the means by which the instruments make their measurements. Dr John Oswin is in charge of the geophysics operation of the Bath and Camerton Archaeological Society and his work has recently been the subject of a television programme. He has taught many students how to use geophysical equipment.




Earth Resistance for Archaeologists


Book Description

Earth Resistance for Archaeologists, written by the foremost expert in the field, provides archaeologists with the know-how required to exploit the significant potential of earth resistance methods. A wide variety of possible uses are presented, including cases where earth resistance surveys succeeded in mapping buried archaeological remains that magnetometer surveys were unable to detect. Examples include earth resistance data from many archaeological sites, including in England, Scotland, Nepal, Bangladesh, and more. The archaeological features that can be detected through earth resistance methods are varied, ranging from ditches, pits, and grave cuts to stone and brick foundations, and even include whole landscapes. Whereas area surveys were traditionally the most common earth resistance method, depth profiling and vertical imaging have become well-developed tools that allow electrical depth investigations in three dimensions. Both techniques are described in detail and archaeologists will be able to apply them in their work. Content is equally relevant for environmental investigations.




Seeing the Unseen. Geophysics and Landscape Archaeology


Book Description

SEEING THE UNSEEN. GEOPHYSICS AND LANDSCAPE ARCHAEOLOGY is a collection of papers presented at the advanced XV International Summer School in ArchaeologyGeophysics for Landscape Archaeology (Grosseto, Italy, 10-18 July 2006). Bringing together the experience of some of the worlds greatest experts in the field of archaeological prospection, the




Handbook of Geophysics and Archaeology


Book Description

Geophysics influences a wide range of subjects, from environmental studies to archaeology, palaeontology to counter-terrorism and law enforcement. 'Handbook of Geophysics and Archaeology' offers a comprehensive overview of geophysical techniques. The handbook focuses on applications and issues in archaeology but also provides a broad overview of the basics of geophysics. The Handbook examines a wide range of techniques: techniques associated with gravity, magnetometry, waves, electromagnetic induction, ground penetrating radar, geotomography, and electrical resistivity tomography. Each technique is explored in depth, with detailed case studies illustrating both technical applications and interpretations of data. The Handbook highlights the diverse range of geophysical methods required in the study of the Earth's subsurface.




Magnetometry for Archaeologists


Book Description

Magnetometry for Archaeologists covers the most widely used method for archaeological surveying. Arnold Aspinall, Chris Gaffney, and Armin Schmidt recount the history of magnetometers from their inception through today's state-of-the-art detectors, explain the physics behind the different types of sensors, and describe the most fruitful ways in which the technology can be employed. They also consider the theoretical and practical uses of magnetometry for many archaeological periods and regions. The reader learns what magnetometry measures, how knowledge gained from it influences the ways in which surveys are undertaken, and the potential problems associated with the use, display, and interpretation of buried remains. Book jacket.




Digital Geoarchaeology


Book Description

This book focusses on new technologies and multi-method research designs in the field of modern archaeology, which increasingly crosses academic boundaries to investigate past human-environmental relationships and to reconstruct palaeolandscapes. It aims at establishing the concept of Digital Geoarcheology as a novel approach of interdisciplinary collaboration situated at the scientific interface between classical studies, geosciences and computer sciences. Among others, the book includes topics such as geographic information systems, spatiotemporal analysis, remote sensing applications, laser scanning, digital elevation models, geophysical prospecting, data fusion and 3D visualisation, categorized in four major sections. Each section is introduced by a general thematic overview and followed by case studies, which vividly illustrate the broad spectrum of potential applications and new research designs. Mutual fields of work and common technologies are identified and discussed from different scholarly perspectives. By stimulating knowledge transfer and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, Digital Geoarchaeology helps generate valuable synergies and contributes to a better understanding of ancient landscapes along with their forming processes. Chapters 1, 2, 6, 8 and 14 are published open access under a CC BY 4.0 license at link.springer.com.




Geophysical Data in Archaeology


Book Description

Anyone who has tried to archive archaeological geophysics data will have wondered what might be the most comprehensive and practical approach. This question is addressed by this Guide’s extensively revised 2nd edition, which systematically explores what should be included in an Archive, illustrated with relevant examples. A conceptual framework is developed that allows assembling data and meta-data so that they can be deposited with an Archiving Body. This framework is also mapped onto typical database structures, including OASIS and the English Heritage Geophysics Database. Examples show step-by step how an Archive can be compiled for deposition so that readers will be able to enhance their own archiving practice. Geophysical data are sometimes the only remaining record of buried archaeological features when these are destroyed during commercial developments (e.g. road schemes). To preserve them in an Archive can therefore be essential. However, it is important that data are made available in formats that can still be read in years to come, accompanied by documentation that gives meaningful archaeological context. This Guide covers the creation of the necessary metadata and data documentation. There is no point preserving data if they cannot be used again; therefore this Guide is essential for anyone using geophysical data.




EAC Guidelines for the Use of Geophysics in Archaeology


Book Description

The aim of the guidelines of the European Archaeological Council (EAC) is to provide an overview of the issues to be considered when undertaking geophysical survey in archaeology. The booklet discusses the issues for consideration when selecting geophysical techniques and methodologies.




Ground-penetrating Radar for Archaeology


Book Description

Conyers succinctly and clearly lays out for archaeological practitioners the theory behind, and applications of, ground-penetrating radar as a non-invasive method of subsurface prospection. Describing the technology, the equipment, the analysis and interpretation necessary to produce usable results and full of examples from GPR projects throughout the world, this book also details advances in computer simulation, statistical modeling, virtual reality techniques, and data integration in recent years. Visit our website for sample chapters!