Ground-penetrating radar is a near-surface geophysical technique that can provide three-dimensional maps and other images of buried archaeological features and associated stratigraphy in a precise way. This revised edition, by the expert in the field, provides the basics of the physics, chemistry, geology, and archaeology in a clear fashion, unburdened by complex equations or theory. Additions to the forth edition include:
The reader will be able to understand how the latest equipment and software and the results of data collection and processing can be used effectively in a number of different settings. Both potential pitfalls and successes and the reasons for them are discussed. With over 100 images and important tables and graphs, this book is a useful reference in the field and for data processing in GPR.
Lawrence Conyers is the author of five books on GPR, and more than forty-five peer reviewed journal articles. He was one of the first to develop GPR techniques for both archaeology and geological applications starting in the late 1980s and has been on the forefront of using these methods to find, map and understand buried sites around the world. He was also instrumental in developing software for imaging the ground, with hundreds of software users around the world. His specialty is GPR, and recently the integration of GPR results with magnetic gradiometer data. He began his academic career at the University of Denver, Colorado in 1995, specializing in using geophysics for mapping buried archaeological sites. The last 25 years of his research has taken him to more than 65 countries around the world on all inhabited continents.
List of Figures, Tables and Equations
Acknowledgements
Preface
Introductory Thoughts on this Edition
1. Some Basics of GPR
Geophysics Today and the Goals of this Book
Some Pet Peeves to Get out of the Way
2. Introduction to Ground-penetrating Radar
History of GPR
3. Radar Wave Generation and Propagation
Radar Antennas and Wavelengths
Ground Properties Affecting Radar Wave Transmission
Production of Reflections
Recording of Radar Waves
Acquisition Settings and Collection Procedures
GPR on Water
Antenna Frequency Constraints
Radar Wave Reflections
Dispersion and Attenuation of Radar Waves in the Ground
Basic Reflection Types
Resolution of Subsurface Features
4. Ground-Penetrating Radar Equipment and Acquisition Software
Data Acquisition Software: Setup Parameters
5. Velocity Analysis
Direct Velocity Measurements
CMP and WARR Tests
Transillumination Tests
Laboratory Measurements of RDP
Analysis of Point-source Reflection Hyperbolas
6. Post-acquisition Data Processing
More on Initial Processing Steps
Amplitude Slice-map Production
Isosurfaces and Videos
More Advances Processing Steps
Migration
Frequency Filtering
Deconvolution
Hilbert Transform
Multiple-offset Processing
Other Experimental Analyses
Data Processing Conclusions
7. Interpretation of GPR Data
Synthetic GPR Models
Synthetic Modeling Applications
Horizon Picking
Amplitude Analysis in Slice-maps
Subtle Feature Discovery with Amplitude Mapping
Production of Rendered Images
Very High Frequency GPR
GPR and Magnetics Used Together
8. Conclusions
Glossary of Terms used in this Book
References
Index
About the Author
This book provides an excellent guide for archaeologists and geophysicists who are studying GPR for archeology. Lawrence B. Conyers puts his fingers on the most modern advances in the GPR technology and presents a wide range of information that offers a comprehensive picture of using this method in archeology.
— Mohammed AL-Hameedawi, archeogeophysicist, Smart Line Geophysical Survey
This book has been an essential introduction and reference for GPR survey in archaeology. This updated edition now includes many of the new developments in the field from the last decade and is the best introduction to this important component of the archaeologist’s toolkit.
— Dr. Kris Lockyear, Institute of Archaeology, University College London
This volume is essential reading for GPR novices and professionals. Accessible, engaging, and at times entertaining, the volume adeptly covers history, theory, method, and interpretation of GPR. It is packed with technical details, real-life examples, practical advice, and opinions formed over decades of experience. The book straddles the past, present, and future of GPR, with great respect for data and the nuts-and-bolts of GPR work from collecting to interpreting and presenting data.
— Andy Creekmore, Ph.D., professor and chair, department of anthropology, University of Northern Colorado
Drawing upon the latest research, using examples from around the globe, and covering all the fundamentals, Professor Conyers fourth edition is an invaluable resource for archaeologists and geophysicists alike.
— Emma St Pierre, director, RADARch Archaeological and Geophysical Consulting
This fully revised edition is the most comprehensive and insightful guide to GPR in archaeological prospection. Peppered with personal anecdotes from three decades researching the method around the world, prospection pioneer Lawrence Conyers generously shares his knowledge. A must-read for students, practitioners, researchers, and anyone wishing to fundamentally understand the royal discipline of archaeo-geophysics.
— Immo Trinks, associate professor of geoarchaeology, University of Vienna
Lawrence Conyers book remains essential reading for anyone looking to use the GPR method to study or manage the archaeological record. With this 4th edition, Conyers expertly weaves the developments of the past decade with his signature story-telling style, resulting in an exceptionally informative and accessible book.
— Jennie O. Sturm, Ph.D., RPA, geophysics program director, Statistical Research, Inc.
Lawrence Conyers’ book is a comprehensive guide to ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology and its application in archaeology. It covers everything from the basic principles of GPR to processing and visualization in a language everyone can understand. The book is a must-read and essential resource for understanding and applying GPR for non-destructive archaeology.
— Arne Anderson Stamnes, senior researcher, department of archaeology and cultural heritage, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology
From survey design to data interpretation, Ground-Penetrating Radar for Archaeology shows how GPR can provide unique information to support archaeological research, while warning archaeologists this can only be achieved through thorough understanding of the principles, potentials, and pitfalls of the method. Complementing existing works on GPR theory, practical insights on these aspects are exactly what this book provides.
— Philippe De Smedt, Department of Environment, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium