Developing an Efficient and Cost Effective Ground-Penetrating Radar Field Methodology for Subsurface Exploration and Mapping of Cultural Resources on Public Lands

Abstract

In archeological surveys of artifacts hidden under the ground, there are a number of issues that must be faced in determining where to excavate and still only minimally disturb the artifacts. Some of these artifacts have spiritual significance while others are of general historical nature. In using noninvasive means to determine the presence of these artifacts, a number of options are available. A new, emerging technology is the use of ground penetrating radar (GPR). However, in using this device due to the number of variables that can impact energy penetration and resolution, researchers are often not guaranteed a successful survey. Simple factors such as soil mineralogy or moisture content can often generate sometimes confusing and difficult to. The purpose of this project was to address such consistency problems with GPR surveys. To do this, the project sought to identify specific factors that will either benefit or complicate a GPR survey. Along with isolating the impacts of these factors, the project sought to develop a series of procedures to predict ahead of time what tools will be needed for a survey, and if that survey has a chance of success. In general, the questions this study sought to answer included: * Which variables are most affecting energy transmission and reflection? * Which are most affecting data resolution? Depth of penetration? * What parameters (geological, climatic, etc.) are most crucial to GPR surveys.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 28, 2006
Accession Number
ADA479867

Entities

People

  • Lawrence B. Conyers

Organizations

  • University of Denver

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Data Analysis
  • Data Processing
  • Data Sets
  • Dielectric Permittivity
  • Diffraction
  • Engineering
  • Geometry
  • Ground Penetrating Radar
  • Physical Properties
  • Radar Reflections
  • Regression Analysis
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Statistics
  • Test Beds
  • Test Facilities
  • Two Dimensional
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Readers

  • Archaeological Resource Survey
  • Geotechnical Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design