Electrical and magnetic response of archaeological features at the early neolithic site of Movila lui Deciov, western Romania

Abstract

AbstractAn archaeological geophysics survey was conducted on the early neolithic site of Movila lui Deciov, in the Province of Banat, Romania. Magnetometry and electromagnetic terrain conductivity were used for the main prospection effort, and a test of electrical resistivity imaging was conducted on a selected profile. In addition, magnetic susceptibility measurements were obtained from excavation pit samples.The magnetic survey was successful in determining the extent of the site, in delimiting zones rich in structures and artefacts, and in confirming the presence of a ditched enclosure that could be the earliest known in the region. The electromagnetic survey was limited by a lack of resolution of electrical property contrast. Detailed joint modelling of the magnetic and electrical response of the subsurface was used to confirm that electrical resistivity imaging can provide depth information to complement magnetic mapping.One of very few reported in Romania, this survey paves the way for an increased use of geophysical techniques in the cultural heritage management of this country. From a methodological viewpoint, this work further demonstrates the potential of electrical resistivity imaging in archaeology Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.