ARCH8808 Introductory Archaeological Geophysics

This topic is aimed at graduates in archaeology or an earth sciences background who wish to gain experience in archaeological geophysics. The topic will provide you with an understanding of the scientific principles behind a range of techniques used in shallow archaeological prospection, the basic field operation of such techniques, data processing, data interpretation and geophysical reporting. Techniques covered may include magnetometry, electromagnetic induction, direct current resistivity, seismic techniques and ground penetrating radar. The topic will be delivered through a series of lectures, demonstrations, practical hands-on sessions and computer based labs.

This topic aims to:

• Provide students with a theoretical introduction to geophysical techniques that might be employed in archaeological contexts
• Introduce students to a range of archaeological case studies within which geophysical techniques have been applied
• Provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a range of different geophysical techniques, including but not necessarily limited to ground penetrating radar, magnetometer and electromagnetic induction
• Provide students with an understanding of geophysical data editing, processing and interpretation procedures
• Provide students with an understanding of standard geophysical reports

1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the major geophysical techniques that might be applied in an archaeological context
2. Demonstrate a familiarity with a range of literature concerning the geophysical techniques covered during the topic
3. Demonstrate a familiarity with the basic field operation of a range of different geophysical techniques, including but not necessarily limited to ground penetrating radar, magnetometer and electromagnetic induction
4. Download, edit and processing simple geophysical data, and to construct simple maps of geophysical information