Exploring Integrated Geophysics and Geotechnics as a Paleolandscape Reconstruction Tool: Archaeological Prospection of (Prehistoric) Sites Buried Deeply below the Scheldt Polders (NW Belgium)

• Published in: Archaeological prospection 2016-04, Vol.23 (2), p.125-145
• Main Authors: Verhegge, Jeroen, Missiaen, Tine, Crombé, Philippe
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: cone penetration test; core sampling; electrical resistivity imaging; electromagnetic induction survey; prehistoric buried landscapes; shear wave land seismics
• ISSN: 1075-2196; 1099-0763
• DOI: 10.1002/arp.1533

During extensive construction works in Antwerp harbour, well preserved Late Glacial dune formations were discovered buried deeply below the Scheldt polders and covered by peat, organic matter (OM) rich clays and marine clayey to sandy sediments. First, coring based archaeological prospection strategies for evaluating prehistoric occupation levels in wetland landscapes are reviewed. Next, a more effective approach including near surface geophysical and geotechnical techniques is proposed and tested in Doelpolder Noord. The results indicate that high resolution electromagnetic induction survey at multiple coil spacing provides a suitable approximation of the prehistoric landscape variability but is challenged by variations in groundwater brackishness. Gridded cone penetration tests provide a solution in such cases and serve as an excellent interpretation tool for the conductivity data in general. Due to the required effort, electrical resistance imaging and shear wave land seismics were judged inefficient. Finally, a small dune with indications of paleosol conservation and estimated suitability for Final Palaeolithic to Early Neolithic occupation is sampled by Dutch hand augering and Sonic Drill Aqualock coring. Archaeological indicators for prehistoric occupation such as burnt bone and flint fragments were retrieved from these samples after sieving. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.