Adapting Simple Magnetic Depth Estimation Techniques to Modern Archaeo-geophysics
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 2019-10-26

Magnetometry is likely the most widely used archaeo-geophysical technique in the world, however, a major drawback is the lack of depth information to anomaly sources. In fact, many novice users are under the impression that magnetometry does not or cannot provide depth information, yet, it is commonly used in geologic studies. This study examines the validity of magnetic depth estimation techniques through magnetic modeling and examines how these techniques can be adapted to modern archaeo-geophysical surveys, a world of fast cart surveys and big data. Potential difficulties arise because many archaeo-geophysical surveys employ fluxgate gradiometers rather than total-field sensors, adding complexity to depth estimation techniques. Additionally, the potential benefits of deriving depth information to magnetic sources are discussed in the context of testing a variety of anthropological/archaeological hypotheses.

Full title: Forgotten but Not Lost: Adapting Simple Magnetic Depth Estimation Techniques to Modern Archaeo-geophysics

(Jeremy Grant Menzer)