The following articles represent recent papers and publications by Archaeo-Physics staff members. In most cases, published versions of the articles are available for viewing, and are are presented with the publisher's permission. Prepress versions of articles may differ from peer-reviewed, published versions, which are available from the publishers.
Geophysical mapping of historic cemeteries
Geoffrey Jones
Technical Briefs in Historical Archaeology 3: 25-38.
Abstract:
Although the non-invasive nature of geophysical survey recommends it for mapping unmarked graves, cemeteries can present a number of technical challenges that can limit its usefulness. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is often the only geophysical method considered for mapping historic cemeteries, but its success is very dependent on favorable site conditions. Other methods can be very successful when appropriately applied, and may be favored by settings unsuitable for GPR. Case studies illustrating GPR, electrical resistance, and magnetic surveys on historic Euro-American cemeteries are presented, with discussion of the capabilities and limitations of the methods and their appropriate application.
The Wyandotte County Cemetery: a case study in geophysical assessment of historic cemeteries
Geoffrey Jones
Proceedings of the 2006 Highway Geophysics
- NDE conference, Saint Louis, Missouri, December 4-7 2006.
Abstract:
The Wyandotte County Cemetery, in suburban Kansas City, was in use
from the mid 19th century up to 1973. It is thought to contain hundreds
of recorded burials, as well as an unknown number for which no records
are known. Of these, only two graves were marked, and the locations
of other burials and the limits of the cemetery were not precisely
known. Because of projected improvements to a roadway adjacent to
the cemetery, a program of archaeological research was undertaken
to define the limits of the cemetery integrating non-invasive geophysical
techniques with conventional archaeological methods. The geophysical
investigation consisted of electrical resistance and magnetic gradiometer
surveys of portions of the cemetery. These were selected as the
methods most suited to anticipated targets and local conditions,
and both were successful in detecting patterning consistent with
historic burial practices. In combination with archaeological testing,
the geophysical survey results form the basis for an assessment
of the limits of the cemetery. This investigation is illustrative
of a range of issues related to geophysical assessment of cemeteries,
from instrument selection and survey design to interpretation and
testing.
Mapping Unmarked Graves at Layman's Cemetery
Geoffrey Jones
Hennepin
History, Vol. 64, No. 3. Fall
2005
Lightning strikes and prehistoric ovens: Determining the source of magnetic anomalies using techniques of environmental magnetism
David Maki
Geoarchaeology:
An International Journal,
Vol. 20, No. 5, 449–459 (2005)
Abstract:
Techniques of environmental magnetism were used to examine soil
samples from a North American archaeological site in an effort to
determine the source of magnetic field gradient anomalies. Testing
revealed the source of one anomaly to be lightning-induced remanent
magnetization (LIRM). This anomaly had initially been identified
as a possible archaeological fea-ture, but excavations were unable
to identify a visible source. LIRM appears to be a relatively common
source of anomalous signal on archaeological sites and may often
be misinterpreted in magnetic imagery. Thermoremanent magnetization
(TRM) was also documented and quantified in soil from archaeological
hearths at the site, as were changes in the ferrimagnetic mineral
concentration and coercivity spectra resulting from high-temperature
enhancement within the hearths.
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Geophysical Survey as an Approach to the Ephemeral Campsite Problem: Case Studies from the Northern Plains
Geoffrey Jones and Gene Munson
Plains
Anthropologist, Vol. 50, No.
193, pp. 31-43, 2005
Abstract:
Temporary campsites and indeterminate artifact scatters are a perennial
problem in archaeology. Features and artifacts are few, often scattered
across an extensive area and representing considerable time depth.
Meaningful and cost-effective data recovery is difficult using conventional
methods. Integrated with more traditional methods, geophysical methods
have proven to be an effective approach on many sites on the northwestern
Great Plains. Hearths, stone rings, and other features can be detected
and mapped, allowing researchers to target areas for excavation
and understand intra-site patterning.
Geoffrey Jones
The
American Surveyor, Vol. 2,
No. 5. July-August 2005
Lightning-induced magnetic anomalies on archaeological sites
Geoffrey Jones and David L. Maki
Archaeological
Prospection, Volume 12, Issue
3, 2005. Pages 191-197
Abstract:
Recent studies of known lightning impacts and laboratory testing
of samples from a suspected lightning-induced anomaly appearing
in magnetic survey data allow us to characterize these formerly
enigmatic responses. Remanent magnetization associated with the
current path of a lightning discharge produces strong anomalies
that can be recognized in magnetic survey data, and can be identified
positively using laboratory methods.
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Fixed-frequency Radio-wave Imaging Of Subsurface Archaeological Features: A Minimally Invasive Technique For Studying Archaeological Sites
L. Somers, N. Linford, W. Penn, A. David, L. Urry And
R. Walker
Archaeometry,
Volume 47, Number 1, February 2005, pp. 159-173(15)
Abstract:
In memoriam Tony Clark
Sadly, this research marked the last field visit to the test site that the authors were able to share with their colleague Tony Clark. His enthusiasm, experience and encouragement inspired us to complete this project that, to many, must have appeared as grown men at play in a sand pit.
A new approach to subsurface exploration has been developed, based on fixed-frequency radio-wave illumination from a buried transmitter. Data are collected from a buried, continuous wave source with a phase-coherent surface-scanning receiver and recorded in a digital archive from which images of the archaeological features are subsequently produced. An important feature of this approach is the opportunity to separate the data collection and archive functions, which form an uncompromised record of the site, from the more subjective image formation function. This paper reports the results of a feasibility assessment programme and discusses the future application of the method to real archaeological sites.
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