Application of Geophysical Approach in Archaeological Research and Prospection

Application of Geophysical Approach in Archaeological Research and Prospection

Geophysical methods are beginning to be applied in archaeology due to their non-destructive character, increasing the likelihood of both identifying and unearthing hidden structures and artefacts without damage. However, the application of geophysical methods is often limited by ambiguity of the physical property of interest to the interpretation of results. Therefore, more auxiliary and supportive parameters are needed, allowing a fuller characterisation of these complex problems. The proposed project fulfils the aims of the Action COST-SAGA, by the novel and original integration of soil magnetic characteristics in order to reduce the ambiguity in interpretation of geophysical data sets used in archaeological prospection. Our contribution to COST-SAGA will enable the interdisciplinary connection of environmental magnetism and traditional geophysical prospection method. This new approach will be accomplished by the experts recognised in their respective field.

The work will be divided into four specific tasks:
1) Monitoring of soil erosion at selected archaeologically important sites using different magnetic methods and study of soil changes;
2) Magnetic characterization of anthropogenic signal (pollution) in soils due to medieval and recent metallurgical activities in the Moravian Carst environment;
3) Development of effective geophysical prospection method based on the magnetic properties of soils and rocks;
4) Demonstrating and verifying the use of archaeomagnetic dating methods within the Czech Republic. Added value of the project is mainly in the establishment of interdisciplinary network and cooperation among archaeologists, geophysicists and soil scientists.