Application of the CMP refraction method to an archaeological study (Los Millares, Almeria, Spain)

摘要

Obtaining information at an archaeological site by means of geophysical methods can reduce the need for intensive excavation. This paper addresses the use of seismic methods to reveal details in a non-destructive manner at the archaeological site of Los Millares (Almeria, Spain). The seismic refraction method provides information on the low frequency component of the model for the shallowest layers. In this way, it is possible to fix the thickness of the surface layer, as well as to determine a velocity model. Use of the refraction method in Los Millares has resulted in the determination of the depth of the calcaric surface upon which the foundations were built. The application of a recently developed method, common-midpoint (CMP) refraction, allows the detection of local heterogeneities in the near subsurface. This method uses the amplitude, phase and frequency information of the first arrivals. The results highlight the location of anomalous zones characterized by early first arrivals. According to a priori geological and archaeological information, these anomalies can be correlated with buried foundations providing the key information for planning future excavations. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. [References: 18]