Use of Euler deconvolution in recognising magnetic anomalies of archaeological objects

Abstract

This paper deals with the three dimensions magnetic interpretation of the buried archaeological bodies using Euler deconvolution. Euler's homogeneity relationship offers a quasi-automated way to derive plan location and depth estimates of buried archaeological objects, such as kilns, walls and tombs, from a gridded magnetic data set. Euler's homogeneity equation relates the magnetic field and its gradient components to the location of the source, with the degree of homogeneity expressed as a structural index. The structural index is a measure of the fall-off rate of the field with distance from the source and provides a way to discriminate between different source shapes. The method is also insensitive to field distortion caused by permanent magnetisation of source objects. Euler deconvolution method has been applied to data collected over Tell Basta historical site, Zagazig, Egypt. The analyses of the data sets have provided characteristic Euler deconvolution signatures and structural indices associated with typical buried archaeological bodies. The solutions obtained indicate the ability to quickly and accurately map the location and depth of buried archaeological objects from gridded magnetic survey data. The revealed depths to the different discontinuities agree fairly well with the archaeological evidences excavated later.