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GPR and Electromagnetic Induction Methods Contributions in Studies of Coastal Sambaqui Archaeological Sites in Santa Catarina State.

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Author(s):
Selma Isabel Rodrigues
Total Authors: 1
Document type: Doctoral Thesis
Press: São Paulo.
Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto Astronômico e Geofísico (IAG/SBD)
Defense date:
Examining board members:
Jorge Luis Porsani; Paulo Cesar Fonseca Giannini; José Gouvêa Luiz; Renato Luiz Prado; Shozo Shiraiwa
Advisor: Jorge Luis Porsani
Abstract

In this study, GPR and electromagnetic induction (EM-38 instrument) methodcontributions in coastal sambaqui archaeological sites (Jabuticabeira II, Santa Marta IV, V, VII and VIII as well as Encantada III) are presented. These sites are placed in Jaguaruna, Santa Catarina center-south coast. They are characterized by accumulation of carbonate shells built by societies in pre-colonial period (7.5 to 1.3 thousand years BP). The studies were developed aimed at mapping archaeological artifacts and stratigraphic structures that help to understand constructive and functional process of these sites. The interpretation of GPR results was supported by 2D GPR numerical modeling, 3D images and integrated with EM-38 surveys. They had as objectives to guide archaeological excavations. The results allowed finding archaeological targets and artifacts, reduced costs in exploratory process, and preserved historical heritage. Complementing integrated interpretation process, stratigraphic profiles and granulometric analysis of sediment from sounding drifts were important for defining the deposition environments where sambaquis (shell mounds) are settled, significantly supporting in developing research on Santa Catarina coast. Methodologically, 200 MHz shielded GPR antennas provided a better agreement between depth of investigation and vertical resolution of geoarchaeological layers, and the implementation of radial acquisition technique allowed a quickly detailed mapping of Jabuticabeira II site, covering a large area. Furthermore, with electromagnetic inductive method (EM-38), the topographic effect correction of data has improved the contrast in electrical conductivity between archaeological structures and background. Thus, punctual targets before masked by topography influence were highlighted. Regarding geophysical results in geoarchaeological studies, in Jabuticabeira II sambaqui, it was possible to characterize the geometry of a geological structure associated with a paleochannel and sediment deposition in point bars; to map archaeological and contemporary metal targets; to trace site boundary; to image shell layer, recent anthropic layers and water level depth; to detect the presence of two deposicional systems, paleolagoon and paleodune as well as to delimit the settlement site on these environments through information of granulometric analysis of sediments collected in sounding drifts. In Santa Marta IV, V, VII and VIII sambaquis, GPR and EM-38 data integration allowed mapping several targets of great importance for archaeological studies, such as paleofires, burials and concentration of ceramic and litic material as well as geological features, such as layer structuring and paleotombolos. Moreover, the reduction of topographic effect on electrical conductivity data (EM-38) allowed relating anomalous regions with a paleofire, and a concentration of ceramic material. In Encantada III sambaqui, two strong GPR anomalies characterized by hyperbolic reflections were associated with: i) a dark punctual structure, characterized as a pocket of shell carbonate, and ii) the presence of a concretion tree root that is significant, despite not of archaeological interest, because it serves as a good example of ambiguity in geophysical data interpretation. It was also possible to delimit the settlement site on paleolagoon sediments, evidenced by granulometric analysis of sediments. (AU)