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A review of the use of geophysical archaeological prospection in Sweden
Author(s) -
Viberg Andreas,
Trinks Immo,
Lidén Kerstin
Publication year - 2011
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/arp.401
Subject(s) - prospection , geology , archaeology , ground penetrating radar , earth science , geography , radar , engineering , telecommunications
While geophysical prospection for iron ores has a long history in Sweden the use of geophysical archaeological prospection has been limited compared to other countries. In this paper we discuss the likely reasons for this situation and present a brief history of geophysical prospection and in particular geophysical archaeological prospection in Sweden. The first use of different prospection methods, such as metal detection, earth resistance, magnetic, ground‐penetrating radar, seismic and electro‐magnetic prospection in Swedish archaeology are presented. The archaeological Iron Age sites of Uppåkra and Birka have been subject to relatively intensive prospection activity and are therefore mentioned separately. An overview of the current situation of geophysical archaeological prospection and related issues is given, and pitfalls and possibilities are discussed. The paper finishes with an outlook on possible future developments. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.