3-D Resistivity Imaging on Archaeology Characterization at Sungai Batu area in Kedah, Malaysia

Abstract

Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) was conducted at the archaeological site of Sungai Batu, Lembah Bujang in Kedah, Malaysia and it is located between Gunung Jerai in the North and Muda River in the South, Kuala Muda, Kedah. This paper presents the geophysical results that aimed to identify the characterization at Sungai Batu, Kedah. ERI survey was performed at plot SB2ZZ, Sungai Batu with total of 15 survey lines using pole-dipole array with electrode spacing of 0.75 m. The ERI results were then processed with Res2DInv and Res3Dinv softwares. Resistivity contrast shows good variation to correlate well with lithology of the earth materials. To enhance the results, data were visualized using isosurface resistivity surface. The ERI shows interesting anomaly with resistivity of 400 - 500 Ωm varies from 0.34 – 1.17 m and few spotted anomalies detected at deeper depth which varies from 2 m - 4 m. Based on-site calibration at partly exhumed sites, anomalies were interpreted as baked clay bricks. The results obtained in this study area gives reliable interpretation for archaeological interest.