Geophysicist with EM-31Archaeology and Archaeological Sites
For conducting archaeology studies and locating and investigating archaeological sites, electromagnetic conductivity (EM) surveys and ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys can be conducted. These non-destructive geophysical methods can be used to study archaeological sites and detect artifacts without digging. The types of archaeological sites and buried objects that can be surveyed include:
Electromagnetic Conductivity (EM)
Electromagnetic conductivity measures the conductivity of the subsurface. This measurement includes the conductivity of soil, groundwater, and rock , and buried metal objects found at archaeological sites, such as buried metal artifacts and relics. Our company has conducted numerous electromagnetic conductivity (EM) surveys worldwide.
Electromagnetic conductivity surveys are rapid and very accurate. The EM instruments are easily carried around the archaeological site and can easily locate buried metal relics and artifacts in sand or clay deposits. Any metal (ferrous or non-ferrous) can be detected by the EM-31.
Our geophysicists can perform an EM survey anywhere in the world and with short notice. Survey costs are reasonable.
Electromagnetic Conductivity (EM) Survey
Geophysicist with EM-31
EM-61 and operator
EM-31 over a buried metal object
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Ground penetrating radar (GPR) produces an underground cross-sectional image of the subsurface soil and rock. Depths up to 100 feet (30 meters) or more can be examined. We conduct surveys using a SIR-2 digital control unit and various antennas with frequencies ranging from 25 to 1,000 MHz.
At archaeological sites, GPR can locate burial trenches, burial mounds, fossil bones, and metal and non-metal artifacts and relics.
GPR Survey
Vehicle-towed GPR survey and Hand-towed GPR survey
The following GPR record shows a profile of two burial trenches:
Burial trenches
Below is an example of buried objects located with ground penetrating radar:
Three buried objects
Company Background
Our company was founded in 1991 as a geophysical services and environmental consulting firm. The company principals have over 40 years of combined experience and have conducted numerous EM and GPR surveys to locate buried objects at archaeological sites and conduct investigations for archaeology studies. All projects are conducted by registered professional geologists.
To have an electromagnetic conductivity or ground penetrating radar survey conducted for archaeology or archaeological sites, contact:
e-mail:surveys@geophysicalsurveys.com
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