A Field Guide to Geophysics in Archaeology

(Autor)

Buch | Hardcover
XVIII, 221 Seiten
2009 | 2009
Springer Berlin (Verlag)
978-3-540-76691-9 (ISBN)

Lese- und Medienproben

A Field Guide to Geophysics in Archaeology - John Oswin
149,79 inkl. MwSt
This guide is for the non-specialist. It provides all the relevant information to handle the instruments, survey a field, and interpret the computer results for a geophysics operation in archaeology, and it explains all the science as simply as possible.

Geophysics operations in archaeology have become well known through exposure on television. However, the technique is presented as the action of specialists and something of a mystery, where people walk about with strange contraptions, and results appear from a computer. This is not the case, however. Some scientific knowledge is needed in order to understand how the machines work and what they detect but otherwise it is only necessary to know how to handle the instruments, how to survey a field and how to interpret the computer results. This book provides all the relevant information. It explains geophysics operations in archaeology, describes the science that gives the soil properties to measure and the means by which the instruments make their measurements.

Dr John Oswin is in charge of the geophysics operation of the Bath and Camerton Archaeological Society and his work has recently been the subject of a television programme. He has taught many students how to use geophysical equipment.

John Oswin graduated in physics in 1974, but by then already had a keen interest in archaeology, and several years experience of excavation. After 30 years career as a specialist in underwater sound, he has returned to archaeology with the Bath and Camerton Archaeological Society and has taken on their geophysics operation. His work over the past four years is now gaining recognition for its thoroughness and large area coverage, nd has been the subject of a Channel 4 ‘Time Team’ programme. He has also taught many students attending training excavations how to use geophysical equipment. John is an amateur archaeologist, but believes very strongly that amateurs have an important role to play, which is complementary to that of the professionals.    

1 Introduction. 1.1 Geophysics in Archaeology. 1.2 Geophysics and geology.1.3 What the pictures tell. 1.4 What this book aims to do.- 2 The basic science. 2.1 Electricity. 2.2 Magnetism. 2.3 Electromagnetic waves.- 3 The instruments. 3.1 Resistance meters. 3.2 Magnetometers. 3.3 Electromagnetic devices. 3.4 Ground radar. 3.5 Electronic distance measurement and GPS.- 4 Understanding the results. 4.1 Download software.4.2 Pattern recognition. 4.3 Interpretation.- 5 Setting up a survey. 5.1 Finding a site. 5.2 Logistics. 5.3 Laying out a grid. 5.4 Making the measurements. 5.5 Showing the results.- 6 Examples. 6.1 Looking at landscapes. 6.2 Roman villas. 6.3 Sorting out periods.- Glossary. Bibliographical note.- Appendix A. Some real equipment controls. Appendix B. A kit list for a survey.

From the reviews: "In his new work, Oswin (head, geophysics operations, Bath and Camerton Archaeological Society, UK) provides an excellent introduction to geophysics as applied to archaeological survey. ... The appendixes are also quite useful as 'user manuals' for four common instruments and three popular data processing software programs. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels." (L. D. Frame, Choice, Vol. 47 (5), January, 2010)

From the reviews:

“In his new work, Oswin (head, geophysics operations, Bath and Camerton Archaeological Society, UK) provides an excellent introduction to geophysics as applied to archaeological survey. … The appendixes are also quite useful as ‘user manuals’ for four common instruments and three popular data processing software programs. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels.” (L. D. Frame, Choice, Vol. 47 (5), January, 2010)

Erscheint lt. Verlag 26.5.2009
Reihe/Serie Geophysical Sciences
Springer Praxis Books
Zusatzinfo XVIII, 221 p.
Verlagsort Berlin
Sprache englisch
Maße 170 x 244 mm
Gewicht 650 g
Themenwelt Naturwissenschaften Geowissenschaften Geologie
Naturwissenschaften Geowissenschaften Geophysik
Schlagworte archaeology • Geoinformationssysteme • Geophysics • historical geology • Instrumentation • Interpreting computer results • Landscape • Measuring techniques
ISBN-10 3-540-76691-X / 354076691X
ISBN-13 978-3-540-76691-9 / 9783540766919
Zustand Neuware
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