The first Neolithic roundel discovered in Poland reinterpreted with the application of the geophysical Amplitude Data Comparison (ADC) method

Abstract

This article presents the results of a three‐dimensional (3D) stratigraphic analysis of a Neolithic roundel in Bodzów (south‐western Poland) with the application of the Amplitude Data Comparison (ADC) method. The ADC method is based on the comparison of magnetic amplitude records (in nanoteslas) with corresponding ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) reflection profiles. Thus, it is possible to analyse the 3D aspects of buried features based on GPR images and their composition from magnetic readings. In other words, the ADC method can be used to provide a more complete understanding of buried archaeological objects and structures detected by geophysical surveys using GPR and magnetic (gradiometer) methods. The surveys performed in Bodzów have indicated that the Neolithic roundel located there had a multiphase development and thus is perfectly suitable for a study with the application of the ADC method. The performed ADC analysis indicates that there were three gates leading to the roundel interior. Positions of prehistoric storage and dwelling pits, and other settlement features were also detected and interpreted. Clusters of these features are located both inside and outside the roundel, which suggests that people lived within the site during different periods. In the southern part of the roundel, GPR reflection profiles and associated magnetic readings point to the presence of V‐shaped shallow ditches, which may date back to the early Iron Age, as well as an extensive Pleistocene fluvial channel and associated geological features, which is very clearly marked on GPR maps.

Revealing the extent of Neolithic rondel enclosures in Lower Silesia using non-invasive prospection

“…These eight features have then been mapped using a combination of data sources (Table 1) to determine their spatial and morphological characteristics (Table 2). Two previously identified sites are also included in our overview: Bodzów, mentioned above (Kobyliński et al 2012; Welc et al 2019; Figure 3), and Proszkowice, discovered in 2012 by the ArchaeoLandscape Europe project (; Figure 4). Both were identified during ad-hoc aerial prospection over a period of 14 years.…”

Results of Geophysical Survey in Bargat El-Shab in Southern Egypt. Insight into the Early Holocene Settlement Pattern of the El Nabta / Al Jerar Interphase

“…It is important to note here that areas with remains of hearths very often appear on magnetic map as a distinctive feature -so called dipoles marked by a pair positive and negative point anomalies with a north -south orientation. Without a doubt, concentrations of the positive magnetic anomalies seem to show evidence of human activity in the zone, but their age and stratigraphic context could not be determined using only magnetic maps (Welc et al, 2019).…”

“…On such maps dark areas correspond to the high amplitude anomalies measured in nanoteslas -nT, while lighter areas correspond to lower values of magnetic field strength. In other words, the areas in black indicate a concentration of sediments rich in ferromagnetic minerals; in most cases such areas are effect of extensive past human activity (Welc et al, 2019).…”

“…In contrast, negative anomalies may have numerous causes (Fassbinder 2017). Areas where there are remains of hearths or stones rich in magnetic minerals very often appear on magnetic maps as distinctive high amplitude features (Welc et al, 2019).…”

Studia Quaternaria

“…This allows to analyze the 3D aspects of buried features based on GPR images and their physical compo- sition from magnetic readings. As a result, the ADCM provides a more complete understanding of the buried archaeological objects and structures detected by geophysical surveys using the GPR method and magnetic gradiometry (Conyers, 2018;Welc et al, 2019).…”