Mapping prehistoric wooden trackways using time domain induced polarisation

Bonsall , J., Fry, R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9711-1131, Pope-Carter, F., Gaffney, C. and Armit, I. (2013) Mapping prehistoric wooden trackways using time domain induced polarisation. In: Neubauer, W., Trinks, I., Salisbury, R. and Einwogerer, C. (eds.) Archaeological Prospection Proceedings of the 10th International Conference. Commission of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, pp. 277-279. ISBN 9783700174592

Abstract/Summary

Trackways are difficult to identify from conventional geophysical prospection data; they are narrow features, buried at often unknown depths and have little or no magnetic or electrical contrast with the surrounding organic peat. Recent case studies have shown promise for the detection of known wooden trackways located in waterlogged peat. The most suitable method for the assessment of large and dense wooden remains is Induced Polarisation (IP) a technique that exploits the polarisable properties of wood to create contrasts with the surrounding peat material. This case study presents work conducted at the Edercloon Bog Trackway Complex, Ireland.