Archaeology and geophysical integrated survey results for Xiongnu period site, Mongolia

摘要

Archaeological methods involve excavation, which is time consuming. Sometimes, this effort may not be very cost-effective since there are risks of damaging or missing the archaeological remains. On the other hand, information about the location, depth, size and extent of buried archaeological remains may be determined by means of geophysical investigation, which is carried out easily and quickly on the surface without disturbing or damaging the buried archaeological structures. Massive grave sites dating from the Hunnu (Xiongnu) period have been found in Zuun Salaa in Songino-khairkhan district, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Archaeologists have discovered 29 graves belonged to Xiongnu who lived 2200 years ago. Most of the graves were buried under the yards of local residents. Some graves were partially or completely covered by buildings and dumb sites. In order to protect and to detect ancient buried remain integrated surveys were conducted as follows: 250MHz, 500MHz, and 100MHz RAMAC/GPR measurement and resistivity tomography measurements. GPR and resistivity tomography data showed very clear anomalies, which were connected with different kind of graves and successfully confirmed by archeological excavation. Archeological excavation allowed to us to calibrate depths of geophysical anomalies and physical properties of different type of archaeological remains.