A Field Guide To Geophysics In Archaeology

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.

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.

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.

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.

Scientific soil prospecting methods can give dramatic pictures of buried archaeological sites, and sometimes information on what occurred within them, before any earth has ben removed. Dr Clark, who was one of the earliest to work in this field, has written the first general survey of an increasingly important area of practical archaeology. The emphasis is on the principles and practical application of the well established techniques of resistivity, magnetometry and magnetic susceptibility, with shorter sections on emerging and less common techniques such as ground-penetrating radar, electromagnetic methods and phosphate survey. This paperback edition updates and enhances the earlier book, adding new material such as the large-scale evaluation exercises now required as a precondition of planning consent for major developments.

This book describes the application of non-destructive geophysical methods in subsurface archaeological features. Such non-destructive methods are magnetometry, electrical resistance, electromagnetic conductivity, magnetic susceptibility and ground penetrating radar. This book also includes the last improvements in instrumentation, data processing, and interpretations of the collected data sets leading to the rapid progress in geophysical applications in the field of archaeological investigations. The book also provides complete case-studies and archaeological interpretation obtained our results carried out in different localities around the world.

"The purpose of this manual is to provide guidelines for geophysical surveying at archeological sites; acquaint those responsible for site investigations with applicable surveying techniques and equipment; and present information in relationship to interpretational procedures, quality assurances and reference materials. It is not intended to be the definitive work in theoretical exploration and engineering assessments that are considered to be applicable to archeological prospecting"--Unnumbered page 3.

Examples of geophysical surveys and the organization of archaeology in England. January 2021 update.