Integrated geophysical surveys at the archaeological site of Tindari (Sicily,Italy)

The results of geophysical survey carried out at the archaeological site of Tindari, located 70 km west-north-west of Messina (Sicily, Italy), are presented and discussed. The site is one of the most important archaeological sites, about 90 ha large, on the north-eastern side of Sicily and it was one of the last Greek settlements in Sicily. Keeping in mind the vastness of the site, according to the archaeologists an area, of about 1200 m² was selected, for a geophysical survey. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), including induced polarization (IP) measurements, and seismic refraction tomography were applied in the course of geophysical exploration in the area. The objective of this preliminary geophysical investigation was to verify the effectiveness of the technique for a spatial definition of the buried archaeological structures (mostly walls, columns, etc.) to determine their characteristics and to study the presence of collapsed columns within the zone of archaeological interest, in view of their application in the rest of the site, that, for obvious reasons, could not be entirely excavated in brief times. The geophysical data, visualized in 3D space, revealed a distribution of low-contrast shallow anomalies that indicate the presence of different types of buried structures in the surveyed area. Also, the probable accumulations of collapsed columns could be determined. These results confirm the hypothesis of a large northern extension of the archaeological site and provide useful information to design a more efficient excavation plan.     

水盐冻融条件下莫高窟砂砾岩晶相蚀变特征研究

盐害引起的硅酸盐质文化遗产劣化是文物保护工作面临的难题,尤其水盐侵蚀作用导致的砂砾岩蚀变行为与岩石微观结构变化之间的关系研究更是难点。通过对采集于莫高窟崖体的砂砾岩块进行矿物自动定量分析(TIMA)、X射线衍射(XRD)、X射线荧光(XRF)等表征,发现试验岩块在含盐水溶液中进行冻融循环后,岩块中的钠、钾长石类组分发生了向高岭石类物相蚀变的行为,同时伴随着岩块本身碎裂。离子盐溶和水环境引发的交代作用是水盐冻融循环过程中砂砾岩矿物组分发生蚀变的主要原因。方解石、白云石和绿泥石等矿物的蚀变表现为晶相溶蚀和重构,石英发生部分晶格畸变。这种砂砾岩矿物组分受外界环境变化引发自身晶相转变、重构的行为使岩体微观结构发生变化,导致崖体在力学性能上产生劣化,引发崖体裂隙扩大、失稳等,也是遗址基体底部掏蚀,坍塌的主要原因。     

Three-dimensional image of seismic refraction tomography and electrical resistivity tomography survey in the castle of Occhiolà (Sicily,Italy)

A geophysical survey was carried out at the ruins of Occhiolà Castle (Sicily, Italy), a medieval village located at the north-western part of a hill named “Terravecchia” at 491 m asl. In order to map the archaeological structures (such as walls and burrows), Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and seismic-refraction tomography methods were used. The resistivity variations are known to correlate quite well with the lithology, thus providing important information for identifying the buried archaeological remains. On the other hand, seismic velocity variations provide information about the geometrical features of the remains. The two geophysical methods are used in an enjoined way to better aid the interpretation and evaluate the significance and reliability of the results obtained with each single method. The electrical and seismic data are displayed in three dimensions by using the iso-resistivity and iso-velocity surfaces, respectively. This allows us to effectively define the location of the anomalies present in the single electrical and seismic sections. The results obtained in the survey highlight the presence of structures of regular shape, probably due to features of archaeological interest.     

Contribution of the resistivity method to characterize mud walls in a very dry region and comparison with GPR

Mud walls are frequent in many archaeological sites, including sites located in semi-desert regions. In cases with buried walls, the geophysical methods can be useful tools for their investigation, since they provide maps of the subsoil in a non-invasive way and in relatively short times. This article deals with the characterization of mud walls in very dry soils through the resistivity method, discussing a methodology to satisfactorily apply the method in this kind of adverse environment and how to interpret the results. The case of the Palo Blanco archaeological site, a pre-Incaic village located in the NW region of Argentina, is analyzed.     

Geophysical investigation of the Temple of Apollo (Hierapolis,Turkey)

The ruins of Hierapolis are located a few kilometres North of Laodicea in the Lycus Valley (western Turkey). This area is characterised by a large geothermic field that produces several hot water springs along tectonic structures (fractures and faults).     

Applications of integrated geophysical method in archaeological surveys of the ancient Shu ruins

The Jinsha site is one set of excavated ruins of the ancient Shu state, late Neolithic, early Bronze Age. The archaeological survey of the site is especially important for study of Shu culture, because there is hardly any written record of this period. As technology progresses, more and more advanced techniques and equipment have been used to conduct archaeological surveys. In this study, four nondestructive methods of geophysical detection were used to locate ancient relics at the site. The validity of these different types of archaeological detection methods (method of high-density resistivity, induced polarization, multi-frequency electromagnetic, ground-penetrating radar and so on) and techniques were analyzed. And a multi-scale, multi-method detection system to non-destructive detection of cultural relics was established.     

云冈石窟顶部土层水盐分布特征研究

可溶盐是石质文物风化的重要原因,其聚集、运移与水密不可分。石窟顶部土层中的盐是云冈石质文物内部盐分的重要来源,因而研究石窟顶部土层中的水盐分布特征对未来减小可溶盐在石质文物内部的聚集具有十分重要的意义。本研究对云冈石窟顶部不同位置、不同深度土层的饱和渗透系数、含水率、孔隙比、可溶盐含量进行了系统的分析测试,并结合取土位置的坡度和植被覆盖率,研究了云冈石窟顶部土层中水盐分布特征。结果表明:植被覆盖率越高,土体含水量越高;坡度越大,土体含水率越低;土体孔隙比与饱和渗透系数呈线性关系。植被覆盖率、坡度及土体的渗透性能是影响石窟顶部土层水盐分布的主要原因。