Abstract
Archaeological investigations often concern the identification and cataloguing of buried historic, as well as prehistoric, structures and artifacts. In most instances, acquisition of this subsurface information is obtained by field observations and review of archive records. Recent advances in high resolution, near surface geophysical prospecting techniques and instrumentation offer the archaeologist a powerful site investigation tool. Detection of geophysical contrasts resulting from buried materials and human related disturbances can provide an accurate means of locating excavation units. Although the usefulness of geophysical surveying is subject to site specific conditions, an investigator can evaluate the site’s geophysical capabilities to yield useful data if a basic knowledge of geophysical methods is acquired. This chapter examines the use of basic geophysical techniques that are applicable to archaeological investigations.
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Heimmer, D.H., De Vore, S.L. (2000). Near-Surface, High Resolution Geophysical Methods for Cultural Resource Management and Archaeological Investigations. In: Williamson, R.A., Nickens, P.R. (eds) Science and Technology in Historic Preservation. Advances in Archaeological and Museum Science, vol 4. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-4145-5_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-4145-5_3
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