Overview
- The available books are very technical and written by scientists for scientists, whereas most archaeology students have a background in the Humanities, and find that approach daunting
- Aims to explain the science as simply as possible
- Guide students through the process of a survey, so that they gain the confidence to do their own surveys
Part of the book series: Springer Praxis Books (PRAXIS)
Part of the book sub series: Geophysical Sciences (GEOPHYS)
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About this book
Geophysics operations in archaeology have become well known through exposure on television. However, the technique is presented as the action of specialists and something of a mystery, where people walk about with strange contraptions, and results appear from a computer. This is not the case, however. Some scientific knowledge is needed in order to understand how the machines work and what they detect but otherwise it is only necessary to know how to handle the instruments, how to survey a field and how to interpret the computer results. This book provides all the relevant information. It explains geophysics operations in archaeology, describes the science that gives the soil properties to measure and the means by which the instruments make their measurements.
Dr John Oswin is in charge of the geophysics operation of the Bath and Camerton Archaeological Society and his work has recently been the subject of a television programme. He has taught many students how to use geophysical equipment.
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Table of contents (7 chapters)
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Authors and Affiliations
About the author
John Oswin graduated in physics in 1974, but by then already had a keen interest in archaeology, and several years experience of excavation. After 30 years career as a specialist in underwater sound, he has returned to archaeology with the Bath and Camerton Archaeological Society and has taken on their geophysics operation. His work over the past four years is now gaining recognition for its thoroughness and large area coverage, nd has been the subject of a Channel 4 ‘Time Team’ programme. He has also taught many students attending training excavations how to use geophysical equipment. John is an amateur archaeologist, but believes very strongly that amateurs have an important role to play, which is complementary to that of the professionals.
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: A Field Guide to Geophysics in Archaeology
Authors: John Oswin
Series Title: Springer Praxis Books
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-76692-6
Publisher: Springer Berlin, Heidelberg
eBook Packages: Earth and Environmental Science, Earth and Environmental Science (R0)
Copyright Information: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2009
Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-540-76691-9Published: 26 May 2009
Softcover ISBN: 978-3-642-09539-9Published: 22 November 2010
eBook ISBN: 978-3-540-76692-6Published: 21 July 2009
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XVIII, 221
Additional Information: Jointly published with Praxis Publishing, UK
Topics: Geotechnical Engineering & Applied Earth Sciences, Geophysics/Geodesy, Historical Geology