Geophysics

Geophysicists study the physical properties of the earth without needing to dig. They can look at the amount of water in the soil or the mineral properties of rocks and soils. By collecting this information it’s possible to learn about different features in the earth. The aim is to find archaeological features like burials or structures and to map sites.

There are three main types of geophysics:

• Resistivity which uses meters that work by injecting an electrical current into the ground and measuring how much resistance there is between the two probes. Resistivity finds pits, trenches, foundations, compacted or disturbed surfaces, and changes in soil type.
• Magnetometry measures the variation of magnetic fields; different soils and features have different magnetic values. It is good for finding metal-working sites, hearths and fireplaces, and rubbish pits.
• Ground penetrating radar (GPR) uses electronic signals to find differences in the ground that could indicate buried archaeological features.

Geophysicist Meg Watters says

Working with archaeology and geophysics has enabled me to work on interesting sites around the world. It is challenging and difficult at times, but I find it extremely rewarding when I am able to provide archaeologists with new information.