Geophysical prospection of archaeological sites in Brandenburg, Germany

Abstract

Over the last few years archaeologists have collected considerable knowledge about several sites in Brandenburg by aerial photography. In addition they have carried out geophysical prospection in order to obtain more information about interior structures, depth ranges and physical properties. Several circular ditch systems were investigated in different geological areas. In the south of Brandenburg there is a Neolithic ditch system, which produces significant magnetic anomalies of about 2–5 nT m−1 (fluxgate gradiometer) and thus it is possible to detect not only the main structures but also some palisades. In the eastern part of Brandenburg there are two sites that are also supposed to be of neolithic origin. One of them responds fairly well to the magnetic method, but there are some parts that can be seen only in aerial photographs. The other site is covered by Ortstein (cemented sandstone with oxides), which makes magnetic investigations impossible. Because of the higher conductivity correlating with higher humidity within a ditch system, however, such structures can be prospected with the help of the electromagnetic method and georadar. This correlation leads to the conclusion that former ditches can be prospected not only outside built-up areas but also within a city using the direct current electrical method. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.