This article looks at the steps archaeologists will take when carrying out an excavation. Read on to discover more!
Mapping
Ground penetration radar (GPR) is a non-destructive method of looking at the sub-surface. It transmits high-frequency radio waves into the ground and measures their reflections from any objects or features they hit. This allows the operator to infer where objects are based on how long it takes for the radio waves to return to the surface after hitting objects. One major advantage of using this kind of radar is that it allows archaeologists an insight into what is under the ground without having to dig it up. This is particularly important as any excavation could cause damage and loss of information that cannot be recovered by archaeologists after they have excavated.
Excavation
Once the area has been mapped, preparation for the excavation can begin. The first step is clearing the ground so that any objects or buildings can be viewed. Grass will be cut back and sandy areas swept to uncover any depressions our outlines. Next, the archaeologists and their volunteers will carefully scrape away the topsoil with trowels, allowing them to work through it layer by layer.
The level to which the ground needs to be excavated depends on what archaeologists are looking for and what they hope to find. If remains are suspected, it could mean digging down many meters to reach them; but if there is no indication that anything will be found, then only a few centimetres may need to be removed. However, this depth does not need to be uniform everywhere as the depth of archaeological layers can vary because of weathering effects, ploughing damage, and animal action. Sometimes just a thin layer needs to be dug through before reaching an item of interest.
The archaeologists carefully dig down to remove any archaeology they find. When objects are discovered during excavation, they are recorded using drawings and photographs before being lifted out of the ground with trowels or spades so they can be taken away for cleaning and conservation work.
Cleaning & conservation
After being lifted out of the ground by archaeologists or volunteers, artefacts are usually cleaned and conserved before being catalogued and safely stored.
If you would like to find out more about archaeological excavation, you should contact a local consultant today. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
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