Geophysics case study

Geophysics is one of the major branches of Earth Sciences. It studies the Earths properties by applying principles of Physics and using instruments for measurement. Geophysical surveys are widely used by archaeologists to explore the areas of ground for archaeological sites. There are many geophysical methods which are used to explore the areas. Some of the methods are shown below:

Electrical Resistivity Surveys:

They are used to determine the subsurface resistivity distribution by making measurements on ground surface. From these measurements, we can estimate the resistivity of the subsurface and map archaeological features. The measurements are made by inserting four electrodes into the soil or rock. Current is introduced in one of the pair of electrodes while voltage is measured across the other electrodes pair. The depth of the Figure 1: shows Wenners convectional measurements is related to the electrode spacing.
four electrode array to measure the subsurface resistivity. (http://www.heritagegeophysics.com/imag The resistivity of soil is complicated function of permeability, es/lokenote.pdf)

ionic content of pore fluids, clay mineralization and porosity. The measurement of resistivity symbolizes the apparent resistivity averaged over volume of earth. Resistivity measurements include resistivity profiling, sounding and imaging.

This method can be used to map archaeological sites and to measure bedrock and water table depth. It can also be used to estimate metal corrosion rates and designing grounding grids. The benefits are it has a good vertical resolution and create a detail 3D resistivity model. It has a depth range of up to 200 feet and it has a wide variety of electrode configurations for different applications. Results can be affected by nearby metal fences, buried cables, pipes and soil conditions (too wet or dry). The other problem is filtering out natural from anthropogenic anomalies.

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Electrical resistivity imaging. (http://www.technosinc.com/pdf/SurfaceT echnotes.pdf)

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Electromagnetic Survey:

They are used to determine the subsurface electrical conductivity and identify subsurface metal objects. The method measures earths response to electromagnetic signals transmitted by an induction coil. At various frequencies, the induction coil produces magnetic field which induces electric current in the material underground; resulting in secondary magnetic field.

The intensity of these magnetic fields is measured by electromagnetic sensor. High frequency signal respond to shallow part of the ground, while low frequency signal respond to deeper part of the earth. Based on these responses, magnetic susceptibility and electrical conductivity are calculated for each frequency. Electrical conductivity is determined by nature of rock, water saturation, salinity and other parameters.

This method can also be used to map archaeological sites. Electromagnetic measurements are applicable of mapping contaminant plumes, buried wastes, tanks, metal utilities etc. The benefits are it provides measurements with depths ranging up to 200 feet and the measurements are relatively easy to make. The possible limitations are the effectiveness of measurements decreases at very low conductivities. Results can be affected by interference of nearby metal pipes, fences, vehicles and induced noise from power lines etc.

These two methods relates to the practical which is to identify a given metal using its resistivity. The metal which I will identify can be used as an electrode in Resistivity Surveys or if archaeologists find ancient materials buried underground by these surveys. They can identify different metals e.g. metals in crowns, armours, utensils etc. by this practical.

Sources of information:
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http://www.geovision.com/PDF/M_Resistivity.pdf http://www.technos-inc.com/pdf/SurfaceTechnotes.pdf http://www.geophysical.biz/res1.htm http://www.terraplus.com/case-histories/gpr/wynn.htm http://physicsworld.com/cws/article/print/654 http://www.terra-au.com/Electromagnetics.asp Figure 3: shows different metal resistivity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resistivity)

A J Clark 1996 Seeing Beneath the Soil: Prospecting Methods in Archaeology (Batsford, London). Telford, W. M., L. P. Geldart, and R. E. Sheriff, Applied Geophysics, 2nd edition , Cambridge University Press, 1990.

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