Mapping the archaeological relics of catacombs at Northeast Saqqara using GPR data, Egypt

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Abstract

Ground Penetrating Radar “GPR” is a powerful geophysical technique capable to collect and record detailed information about the shallow earth’s subsurface. Its application to map archaeological ruins is growing fast and getting more precise. GPR technique involves transmitting radar waves from a transmitting antenna, reflecting the waves off buried discontinuities and measuring the elapsed time before the reflections are received again at the surface by a receiving antenna. The area of interest is Saqqara. The data acquiring procedure and field notes could be considered as the start point to process and interpret collected data sets. They help also to bring the study’s outcome in an easy form, either in 2D and/or 3D images, understandable by archaeologists. The generated images provide primary feedback that could be used to establish an excavation site or to identify significant areas containing cultural remains that would be better left untouched; therefore, the information can guide archaeologists to avoid destructing these locations. The present data set includes three grids (Grid 1, Grid 2, and Free-line Grid) in the sum of 81 measuring lines. The data were acquired using SIR4000 connected to a 200 MHz antenna applying time range of 200 ns with 1024 samples to fulfil adequate resolution in depth and 80 scans per length for appropriate resolution in scan direction. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network is constructed to improve the GPS measurements over the entire site’s location and elevation. The data were processed in a way to minimise the undesired signals and to emphasise the signals of use, and it was interpreted to reveal the existence of archaeological remains. The results uncover the finding of incredible varieties of archaeological objects such as tombs, sub-tunnels and catacombs, etc. It was also noticed that depth of interest ranges from 0.6 to 3 metres on the basis of wave velocity of 0.1 m/ns.

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NRIAG Journal of Astronomy and Geophysics
Volume 9, Issue 1
January 2020
Pages 362-374

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