Methods Archaeologists Use to Locate New Sites

Author : Mary Anne Winslow
Archaeology is a very interesting subject and many people get very excited and anxious when they hear or learn about new discoveries done in this area of science. This is a very appealing study as it reveals our history and life style of our ancestors. The scientists always used their own hands, eyes and guesses to look for such places of ancient history and interest, but as the new technologies are being developed the methods of survey change as well.Although the human eye is an extremely important instrument in the location of rescue archaeology sites, over the years, more advanced techniques have been developed. In this article, I shall look at three of these: geological survey techniques; ground survey techniques; metal detectors.Geological Survey involves the use of a variety of methods and techniques to produce a detailed map of what is below the surface of the area being surveyed. The primary techniques are Magnetometry and Resistivity. Geophysical survey techniques are the most commonly used method of site identification when a suspected archaeological site lies beneath the land surface. They are non-intrusive and are subsequently invaluable when excavation is not possible.Before conducting either a Geological Survey, or a Ground Survey, a grid needs to be created for the area under investigation. Control points are established which allow the site to be synchronized with the National Grid. First of all, a Baseline is established in the prevailing direction of the site. The ends of this are co-ordinated by Triangulation. This fixes the baseline to the surround area, usually by using tape, which is then broken up into suitable units marked by stakes placed in the ground. Once this has been completed points perpendicular to the baseline are set up, again using tapes. In large areas, Pythagorean theory is implemented (A2 + B2 = C2) but when the area being surveyed is smaller, the Pythagorean triangle system is best. All the corners angles of the grid must be at 90 (a square) so the square root of the two sides of the triangle can be calculated, a measurement necessary to determine the hypotenuse of the right angle triangle. The measurements are then used, once the tapes are situated at the two ends of the baseline (often referred to as A and B) so each square can accurately be constructed.When using magnetometers, it is critical that the operator has no ferrous metal on their person. This includes metal zips, jewellery, shoelace eyelets and even certain metal surgical implants. The reason for this is that the readings are affected by the presence of metals so data can be inaccurate.The twin electrode is the most useful instrument for testing resistivity. It is a frame containing a meter, batteries (to provide power) and two probes, usually half a metre apart, but this distance can be altered when a deeper survey is required. Two remote probes and a connecting cable are also necessary; this links the probes when placed at least thirty times the distance between the static probes. For example, if the primary or static probes on the frame were one metre apart (in the instance of a deep survey) the remote probes would need to be placed a minimum of thirty meters from the area under investigation. It is this that makes the process more complicated than other methods, such as magnetometry. The most accurate results can be obtained in the summer months, in the case of temperate climates, as the soil moisture content is lower then, so the equipment can detect differences in resistance more easily.An electrical current is passed through the ground between the two electrodes in order to measure the resistance. It is more difficult for the current to pass through drier, more compact material, such as a buried wall of a house or an ancient road than it would be for it to pass through damp clay soil, which it would penetrate relatively easily.Mary Anne Winslow is a member of Essay Writing Service counselling department team and a dissertation writing consultant. Contact her to get free counselling on custom essay writing.
Keyword : Methods, archaeologists, use, to locate, new sites