Geophysical investigation for mapping the archaeological features at Qantir, Sharqyia, Egypt

Abstract

AbstractTwo geophysical methods were used for mapping the archaeological features at Qantir village: magnetic and resistivity surveys. The magnetic survey was carried out before the resistivity survey in order to evaluate the distribution of hidden archaeological features and cultural relics. It was conducted over an area of 120 × 100 m using a fluxgate gradiometer (Geoscan FM36) that measures the vertical gradient of the geomagnetic field. The readings were logged every 0.5 m along 20 m, zigzag traverses. The resultant data were processed and treated to produce a high‐quality magnetic image. The final magnetogram and graphical interpretation plot show the distribution of high and low magnetic features that reflect the buried archaeological and non‐archaeological features. Subsequently, a resistivity survey was carried out over interesting areas identified from the initial results of the magnetogram. Four Wenner profiles were also measured, named P1W, P2W, P3W and P4W. The minimum electrode spacing used through all the profiles was 1 m and the maximum electrode spacing varied from one profile to another according to its length. These data were used to construct four apparent resistivity pseudosections. A comparison between the magnetic vertical gradient profile and resistivity inverse models was performed in order to check the value of using the Wenner configuration in parallel with the gradiometer survey. The geophysical investigation mapped some archaeological features with a high probability of indicating the presence of storage and burial chambers, bisecting walls, ditches and streets. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.