GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) Survey at Notion (June 2017)

Abstract

In June 2017, we conducted a GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) survey at the ancient city of Notion as part of the Notion Archaeological Survey. In prior seasons, magnetic gradiometry survey revealed much of the form and fabric of the city, and this season we decided to complement these results with GPR investigations in the hope of obtaining more detailed 3-dimensional results in targeted areas of the site. The survey was undertaken with 200 and 400 MHz shielded antennae with a focus on mapping the bedrock profile as well as features within 2.5m of the ground surface. The survey areas across the site targeted places where the results could best help answer the research questions of the project and include a terrace near the city wall overlooking the valley to the north with two visible threshold blocks and two terraces to the east side of the site which prior survey has shown were likely domestic spaces. The purpose of surveying these areas was to explore the possible buried roads and houses, more precisely mapping them and identifying their depth. The collected data have been combined to produce a 3-D cube representing the features laying beneath the subsurface. From these 3-D cubes, it is possible to produce amplitude time-slices at various depths below the surface, which show the anomalies detected during the survey. The initial results of the GPR survey have been inspiring and will contribute greatly to our understanding of the site, while also forming the basis for future investigations through further survey or excavation.