The Use of Geophysical Survey in Archaeology
Title
The Use of Geophysical Survey in Archaeology
Author
Horsley, Timothy J.
Research Area
Methods of Research
Topic
Research Methods ‐ Quantitative
Abstract
This essay aims to introduce readers to geophysical methods that are currently employed to help archaeologists study the past. Geophysical techniques exploit differences between the physical properties of buried remains and the natural soil to allow their detection and characterization without—or in advance of—digging. When successfully applied, they have the potential to dramatically enhance archaeological investigations by providing a map of buried remains that can (i) help to assess an area for its archaeological potential; (ii) guide subsequent excavation; or (iii) be used as a tool to define and test research questions in their own right. Given the relatively rapid and noninvasive nature of these methods, it is possible to examine entire sites and landscapes, in some instances detecting features as small as individual post holes. While these techniques are routinely integrated into archaeological investigations in some parts of the world, their potential in many areas is only starting to be realized. It is expected that we will see continued growth in the number of surveys being conducted, as well as in the sizes of areas encompassed and in the range of their archaeological application.