A reappraisal of archaeological geophysical surveys on Irish road corridors 2001-2010. With particular reference to the influence of geological, seasonal and archaeological variables

Abstract

Geophysical surveys in the Republic of Ireland and elsewhere rarely have the opportunity to receive direct, meaningful and quantitative feedback from ground observed excavations, despite their frequent occurrence as a subsequent phase of development-led archaeological projects. This research critically reappraises the largest and most coherent geophysical archive maintained by a single end-user over a ten year period. The geophysical archive has been collated from 170 reports on linear road schemes as a result of commercially-driven assessments in Ireland, to facilitate the biggest analysis of geophysical survey legacy data and subsequent detailed excavations. The analysis of the legacy data archive has reviewed and tested the influence of key variables that have, in some circumstances, affected the methods and outcomes of geophysical assessments in Ireland over the last 10 years. By understanding the impact of those key variables upon the legacy data - which include archaeological feature type, geology, sampling strategy and seasonality - appropriate and new ways to research linear corridors have been suggested that should be employed in future geophysical survey assessments for a range of environments and archaeological site types. The comprehensive analysis of geophysical surveys from the legacy data archive has created definitive statements regarding the validity of geophysical techniques in Ireland. Key failures that occurred in the past have been identified and a thorough investigation of new and novel techniques or methods of survey will facilitate a more robust approach to geophysical survey strategies in the future. The outcomes of this research are likely to have ramifications beyond the Irish road corridors from which the legacy data derives.