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Experimental resistivity survey at Wroxeter archaeological site with a fast and light recording device
Author(s) -
Dabas Michel,
Hesse Albert,
Tabbagh Jeanne
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
archaeological prospection
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.785
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1099-0763
pISSN - 1075-2196
DOI - 10.1002/1099-0763(200006)7:2<107::aid-arp138>3.0.co;2-0
Subject(s) - electrical resistivity and conductivity , metre , electric field , archaeology , geology , remote sensing , electrical engineering , geodesy , geography , engineering , physics , quantum mechanics , astronomy
A new version of the RATEAU (Résistivimétre AutoTracté à Enregistrement AUtomatique) system in the pole–pole configuration was field tested in August 1995 on the site in co‐operation with the Birmingham University Field Archaeology Unit. The device consists of a small three‐wheeled carriage containing a resistivity meter, a PC and batteries. The front wheel measures the position along the profile. The two others, connected to the resistivity meter, are metallic and fitted with spikes ensuring a good electrical contact with the ground (potential, P, and current, C). Two remote electrodes are connected to the resistivity meter through a long electric cable. The carriage is light enough to be pulled by hand. A large resistivity survey of about 3.5 ha was completed, in average conditions, in a few days. After appropriate data processing, the map shows, with great detail, many interesting features, such as buildings, roads and modern disturbances. A total of 5 h was required to survey an area of 1 ha, consisting of 101 profiles of 100 m. At the time of the survey, this prototype ranged among the lightest and the fastest available for accurate archaeological surveys with small grid spacing. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.