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From the air to the atomic level of a ditch: integrating geophysical and geochemical survey methods at the prehistoric cropmark complex of Forteviot (Perthshire, Scotland)
... Common techniques for geochemical surveying consist of inductively couple plasma wide area, then XRF measurements and their consequent statistical interpretation can be useful for chemical sample profiles (Hayes, 2013;Oonk et al., 2009b). In addition, geochemical prospecting is often complemented by geophysical surveying in order to maximize and cross-validate data interpretation using minimal-invasive techniques at archaeological sites (Cuenca-García et al., 2013;Dirix et al., 2013;Salisbury, 2013). ...
Available online xxxx During the 13 th and 12 th centuries BCE, Dromolaxia-Vyzakia (Hala Sultan Tekke) was a flourishing coastal settlement located at the shores of the Larnaca salt lake and for this reason the site has attracted a great deal of scholarly interest. Evidence of ceramic, ivory and metal manufacturing processes supports the belief that this site was not only a location active in trade, but also an important crafts centre. Despite the fact that a significant number of archaeological missions invested considerable time and expertise to study the site, its spatial extent and makeup is still not fully understood. Significant efforts are currently underway to reveal the extent of the whole settlement and to pinpoint possible anthropogenic activities. The detection of intriguing magnetic anomalies during a preliminary geophysical survey over an unexcavated area adjacent to the main excavation, and the presence of nearby surface scattered slag fragments, suggested further investigation. These locations were ideal for an extensive geochemical survey through micro-XRF measurements. Therefore, an extensive geochemical survey, the objective of this study, was carried out to measure concentrations of elements (K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, and Zn) using a micro-XRF. Soil samples were collected at an excavated area of known anthropogenic activity as well as from other unexcavated areas including the one assessed by the geophysical survey. Results were analyzed with the method of principal components analysis (PCA) and Pearson's correlation coefficients focusing on the identification of possible patterns amongst sampling areas. The site's normal background concentration values (NBC) were also determined in order to evaluate elemental enhancement by enrichment factors. The statistical analysis of results indicated the impact of metalworking or other related processes in the soil's chemistry. In addition, it identified elements that can be attributed to anthropogenic activities (K, Ca, Ni, Cu, and Zn) and also corroborated with the geophysical data highlighting specific zones where future archaeological efforts should focus.
... The combination of geophysical and geochemical methods in archaeological prospection has the potential to enhance the information relating to buried archaeological features, as well as to develop a better understanding of how the setting of a site may affect geophysical and geochemical datasets (Cuenca-García et al. 2013;Dirix et al. 2013). The nuanced data interpretation and technique reappraisal capabilities of this integrated approach are based on the complementary information provided by these two disciplines. ...
In August 2018, a group of experts working with terrestrial/marine geophysics and
remote sensing methods to explore archaeological sites in Denmark, Finland, Norway, Scotland and Sweden gathered together for the first time at the Workshop ‘Sensing Archaeology in The North’. The goal was to exchange experiences, discuss challenges, and consider future directions for further developing these methods and strategies for their use in archaeology. After the event, this special journal issue was arranged to publish papers that are based on the workshop presentations, but also to incorporate work that is produced by other researchers in the field. This paper closes the special issue and further aims to provide current state-of-the-art for the methods represented by the workshop. Here, we introduce the aspects that inspired the organisation of the meeting, a summary of the 12 presentations and eight paper contributions, as well as a discussion about the
main outcomes of the workshop roundtables, including the production of two searchable databases (online resources and equipment). We conclude with the position that the ‘North’, together with its unique cultural heritage and thriving research community, is at the forefront of good practice in the application and development of sensing methods in archaeological research and management. However, further method development is required, so we claim the support of funding bodies to back research efforts based on testing/experimental studies to: explore unknown survey environments and identify optimal survey conditions, as well as to monitor the preservation of archaeological
remains, especially those that are at risk. It is demonstrated that remote sensing and geophysics
not only have an important role in the safeguarding of archaeological sites from development and
within prehistorical-historical research, but the methods can be especially useful in recording and
monitoring the increased impact of climate change on sites in the North.
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