GPR Archaeometry Survey on Rrough Terrain: A Case Study from Early Bronze Age Settlement AI-Tikha, Oman

Abstract

During an archaeometrical survey the geophysical techniques involved follow a specific sequence, depending on the subsurface conditions. The most common model 'soil-stone manmade structure' is the one that is more easily studied due to the relatively high physical properties contrast of the target and the surrounding material. In these cases, the magnetic method leads the way, with the rest of the methods following and applied at focused areas of interest. Here we present a case study at an archaeological site of the Early Bronze Age, where except from copper remains, which may bias the magnetic method's results, the surrounding material is similar to the buried structures and the subsurface is also completely dry. This leads to the choice of the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) method, which is used to delineate the archaeological remains based mainly on the lithology contrast. This work presents a case study concerning the preliminary results of an on-going geophysical research. A batch processing scheme included, except conventional processing steps, also migration and elevation corrections. Both depth and elevation slices of the GPR data indicated that they are both useful in delineating the subsurface structures in a more efficient way. The main structures are a possible building on the top of the hilly area and surrounding walls at different levels.