Continuous multi-signal EMI survey in geoarchaeological research: a 90 ha dataset
Philippe De Smedt, Timothy Saey, Alexander Lehouck, Marc Van Meirvenne · Ghent University Academic Bibliography (Ghent University) · 2011
The archaeological evaluation of project sites is often solemnly based on extensive trenching programmes complemented with auger surveys. However, these methods lack spatial continuity, which can make detected structures difficult to interpret. A mobile multi-signal electromagnetic induction (EMI) survey was therefore incorporated in the archaeological evaluation of a large polder site in the north-west of Belgium. Using a mobile multicoil EMI instrument enabled us to map of both the apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) as well as the apparent magnetic susceptibility (MSa) of different soil volumes of the study area. This study illustrates the potential of multi-signal EMI prospection for geoarchaeological research.