Geophysics and Archaeology

In our recent publications we have discussed advancements in the application of geophysical prospecting techniques to archaeological field research. We specifically discuss the results of cesium magnetometer, ground penetrating radar, and aerial photographic enhancement studies of the Navan Archaeological Complex, Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland. The use of new geophysical instruments and newly developed computer software programs will, in the near future, revolutionize the way archaeologists structure their survey and excavation work. We argue that the application of this equipment, however, must go beyond simply "new" or "neat" techniques and better "descriptions" for archaeologists. The ultimate contribution of these advanced technologies will be in our ability to significantly contribute to the development of cultural evolutionary theory. Our objective here is to describe the research context that we have developed for geophysical exploration and how it can be applied to the study of culture change in archaeology.

The history of science contains numerous examples of innovations in methods which have lead to great discoveries and the advancement of theory. Theory is of primary importance to archaeology because it functions to generate hypotheses, that is models of the empirical world which can be falsified by comparing the models with descriptions of phenomena. Philosophers of science and critical archaeologists argue that the development of archaeological theory is repressed throughout much of the world because of inadequate empirical data against which specific hypotheses and theories can be evaluated. It is difficult to oppose this position because even within the American Southwest, where generations of archaeologists have applied their trade at hundreds of sites, we are still groping with the empirical quest and linkage to theory (see Gumerman and Gell-Mann 1994; Larson et al. 1996; and McGuire and Saitta 1996).

The question must be raised-- is theory repressed because of limitations of our data or is it because of our inability to collect data in an efficient manner? We suggest here that more often than not, it is due to the latter. We believe that recent developments in remote sensing methods, aerial photographic image enhancements, and geophysical prospecting, coupled with strategically designed archaeological field surveys and test excavation programs can dramatically advance the development of archaeology as a science.

The scientific equipment we operate in the field and computer hardware and software used in our studies represent the "state of the art" in geophysical prospecting and photographic enhancement methods. The quality and quantity of data collected and processed is impressive and the Navan Archaeological Complex is an excellent natural laboratory for the purpose of geophysical and archaeological research (Larson and Ambos 1996; Ambos et al. 1996). We argue that these rapidly developing technologies can provide archaeologists with an unprecedented opportunity to investigate the past with much greater efficiency than ever before.

(link to SAAorg)