A Field Guide to Geophysics in Archaeology

Geophysics operations in archaeology have become well known through exposure on television. However, the technique is presented as the action of specialists and something of a mystery, where people walk about with strange contraptions, and results appear from a computer. This is not the case, however. Some scientific knowledge is needed in order to understand how the machines work and what they detect but otherwise it is only necessary to know how to handle the instruments, how to survey a field and how to interpret the computer results. This book provides all the relevant information. It explains geophysics operations in archaeology, describes the science that gives the soil properties to measure and the means by which the instruments make their measurements.



Dr John Oswin is in charge of the geophysics operation of the Bath and Camerton Archaeological Society and his work has recently been the subject of a television programme. He has taught many students how to use geophysical equipment.

This unique work examines the science of geophysics operations in archaeology and gives non-specialist students both the confidence and the competence to set up and carry out their own surveys.

A Field Guide to Geophysics in Archaeology

• explains the processes involved in clear and accessible language;

• gives a step-by-step guide to setting up and carrying out a survey;

• demonstrates the application of science to instruments;

• gives examples of results of surveys and shows how to interpret

them;

• explains soil conditions measured by the techniques and relates

them to archaeological features.

With many illustrations to explain the text and techniques, this book will be an invaluable resource for specialists and non-specialists in archaeological geophysics alike.

1 Introduction, 1.1 Geophysics in Archaeology, 1.2 Geophysics and geology,1.3 What the pictures tell, 1.4 What this book aims to do, 2 The basic science, 2.1 Electricity, 2.2 Magnetism, 2.3 Electromagnetic waves, 3 The instruments, 3.1 Resistance meters, 3.2 Magnetometers, 3.3 Electromagnetic devices, 3.4 Ground radar, 3.5 Electronic distance measurement and GPS, 4 Understanding the results, 4.1 Download software,4.2 Pattern recognition, 4.3 Interpretation, 5 Setting up a survey, 5.1 Finding a site, 5.2 Logistics, 5.3 Laying out a grid, 5.4 Making the measurements, 5.5 Showing the results, 6 Examples, 6.1 Looking at landscapes, 6.2 Roman villas, 6.3 Sorting out periods, Glossary, Bibliographical note, Appendix A. Some real equipment controls, Appendix B. A kit list for a survey



 

 

 

John Oswin graduated in physics in 1974, but by then already had a keen interest in archaeology, and several years experience of excavation. After 30 years career as a specialist in underwater sound, he has returned to archaeology with the Bath and Camerton Archaeological Society and has taken on their geophysics operation. His work over the past four years is now gaining recognition for its thoroughness and large area coverage, nd has been the subject of a Channel 4 ‘Time Team’ programme. He has also taught many students attending training excavations how to use geophysical equipment. John is an amateur archaeologist, but believes very strongly that amateurs have an important role to play, which is complementary to that of the professionals.

 

 

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