VLF-R studies in the Agora of Magnesia archaeological site, Aydin, Turkey

Abstract

Very low frequency wave-resistivity (VLF-R) method has been widely used for near surface and archaeological prospection over the last two decades. Shallow buried structures that show resistivity variation with respect to a surrounding medium could be determined with VLF-R. It is also a particularly rapid and cost-effective technique for collecting data on large-scale exploration. VLF-R studies were carried out in the Agora of Magnesia archaeological site (Aydn, Turkey) in order to determine the location and depth of ruins of the temple of Zeus. After performing theoretical studies to test the inversion algorithm, apparent resistivity and phase data were collected with three different frequencies and a laterally constrained two-layer inversion process was applied to each station. In addition to the inversion of all profiles for each frequency, all lines were stacked within a precise resistivity interval to obtain a 3D view of the structure. An excavation site is recommended after achieving the location of the temple. © 2012 Sinopec Geophysical Research Institute.