Application of geophysical methods in the identification and protection of underground ancient structures: A new approach to prevent natural hazards and land subsidence

Geophysical methods have become indispensable tools in archaeological research, enabling the non-invasive exploration and preservation of cultural heritage. This study investigates the application of various geophysical techniques, including ground-penetrating radar (GPR), magnetometry, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and electromagnetic induction (EMI), in archaeological contexts. GPR has demonstrated exceptional utility in imaging subsurface structures with high resolution, while magnetometry excels at detecting thermally altered materials and delineating settlement patterns. ERT and EMI further complement these methods by mapping features with contrasting resistivity or conductivity properties. The integration of multiple geophysical approaches has proven particularly effective in resolving complex stratigraphy and minimizing uncertainties. Case studies from globally significant archaeological sites illustrate the transformative potential of these techniques in reconstructing ancient urban landscapes, identifying burial features, and assessing site vulnerability to environmental risks. However, challenges remain, including the impact of soil conditions, environmental noise, and the need for expertise in data interpretation. Advancements in sensor technology, data processing algorithms, and interdisciplinary methodologies are poised to address these limitations, further expanding the scope and efficacy of geophysical methods in archaeology. This paper underscores the critical role of geophysics in preserving and understanding cultural heritage while highlighting opportunities for future research and innovation.

کلیدواژه ها:

Archaeological geophysics ، Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) ، Magnetometry ، Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) ، Non-invasive subsurface exploration