Comparing Similar Ground-penetrating Radar Surveys Under Different Moisture Conditions at Kalavasos-Ayios Dhimitrios, Cyprus.
Michael Rogers1, Jeffrey F. Leon2, Kevin D. Fisher3, Sturt W. Manning2, David Sewell4
Abstract:
Water is known as being a dominant factor in ground-penetrating radar reflection and transmission from sub-surface interfaces. Before embarking on a multi-season, large-scale survey of Late Bronze Age cities in Cyprus we wanted to empirically identify the impact of seasonal moisture on ground-penetrating radar transmission and reflection from buried Late Bronze Age architecture to determine the optimum time of the year to conduct our surveys. Having conducted preliminary surveys under dry conditions to support a grant proposal we were then in a position to return to the site during wet conditions after receiving our funding and before beginning our full-scale project. We report here a comparison of the ground-penetrating radar results at Kalavasos-Ayios Dhimitrios during a drought year (summer 2008, 54% normal) versus a roughly average year (spring 2010, 109% normal) conditions, which identified drier conditions as providing the best data for interpreting Late Bronze Age urban planning given the methods employed.
1 Department of Physics, Ithaca College, 953 Danby Road, Ithaca, New York, USA 14850
2 Department of Classics, Cornell University, 120 Goldwin Smith Hall, Ithaca, New York, USA 14853-3201
3 Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies, 304 JBHT, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AR 72701
4 Archaeology, School of History, Classics and Archaeology, University of Edinburgh , Doorway 4, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG
