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How does an archaeological survey prepare researchers for an excavation?
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Archaeology
Archaeologists mapping their finds at Pachacamac, Peru, an Indigenous town occupied from approximately 200 bce to 1532 ce, when it was sacked by conquistadors under the command of Francisco Pizarro.
An archaeological survey is a critical phase of fieldwork that prepares researchers for excavation by locating and documenting sites without using invasive methods like digging. This preliminary work is essential for developing a comprehensive excavation plan.12
Researchers use several techniques to identify and map potential sites:
- Reconnaissance: Archaeologists may walk or travel through the countryside to discover unknown sites.1
- Documentary Research: Studying historical records and place-names can reveal the locations of forgotten sites.1
- Aerial Photography: This allows researchers to identify sites that are invisible from the ground by detecting variations in soil color or crop density.1
- Geophysical Prospecting: Modern techniques use electricity and magnetic fields to detect buried features, such as walls or ditches, without disturbing the soil.1
- Probing: Simple methods, such as tapping the ground or using deep probes, help sound for substructures.1
Once a site is located, surveying and mapping are used to create a detailed record of the area. This data, combined with site sampling, allows archaeologists to design a strategic approach, ensuring that the subsequent, inherently destructive process of excavation is conducted with maximum care and scientific rigor.23