Archaeological Prospection by Using Geophysical Methods at Different Field Conditions and Archaeological Structures in Ephesos/Turkey

S. S. Seren¹ | S. Ladstätter ²
(¹ Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics | ² Österreichisches Archäologisches Institut)

Abstract: Since 1998 the Austrian Archaeological Institute and the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) carry out archaeological prospection by using geophysical methods in Ephesos/Turkey. The main methods are the resistivity, magnetics and georadar (GPR) with last two was mostly applied. According to development in the electronics different geophysical instruments was employed. In the last ten years about 500.000 m2 area was with very different field conditions and archaeological structures surveyed. Correspondingly the differences in the results are to be expected. Below the used instruments for the survey are listed:
Since 2005:
• Georadar: Pulse Ekko 1000
• Magnetics: 3-sensors picodas
2005-2010:
• Georadar: Noggin & SIR-3000
• Magnetics: 4-sensors Fluxgate Förster
The magnetics and GPR data were evaluated by using the software system APMAG and APRadar developed by Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG). The by APMAG and APRadar produced pictures are interpreted archaeologically in GIS together with all other information available: These are mainly: structures already known by excavation, topographical lines, digital city map and historical photographs.
The fig. 1 shows the survey area and the used instruments from 2002. There are a lot of plantations of grapes and figs and boscages. The surface is fully stones and steep. In spite of difficult field conditions the results are respectively.
The survey area from 2005 was partly easier than 2002. For the GPR a new instrument (Noggin) was used which allows a high quality and high speed survey. Accordingly the results are better than 2002.
The survey area from 2008 was comparable with 2005. For the GPR a new instrument (SIR-3000) was used which allows a high quality and high speed survey and it is easier to use in difficult field conditions. The magnetic survey was carried out by using 4-sensors Fluxgate Förster magnetometer. It allows recording of high quality data also in difficult field conditions.
The survey area from 2010 was comparable with 2005. For the GPR a new adapted instrument (Noggin) was used which allows a high quality and high speed survey and it is easier to use in difficult field conditions. The magnetic survey was carried out by using 4-sensors Fluxgate Förster magnetometer. It allows recording of high quality data also in difficult field conditions.