PulseExploreJournal ClubDebatesTrendingResearchersJournals
Instagram
HomeExploreJournal ClubTrending
Synapse
⌘+K
Synapse
April 17, 20260 citationsOpen Access

Geophysical Survey at Land at Borden, Sittingbourne, Kent

View Full Paper
TCThomas Cockcroft

Key Points

  • The aim is to investigate magnetic anomalies for possible archaeological significance at a site in Kent.
  • Conducted geophysical survey using a cart with four Bartington magnetic sensors.
  • Sensors were aligned to minimize the earth's magnetic field effects.
  • Data collected at 0.125m spacing along traverses 1.0m apart.
  • Utilized a Trimble RTK GPS for geographic referencing of data points.
  • Identified discrete magnetic anomalies and linear trends interpreted as potentially archaeological.
  • Cluster of responses could indicate a heavily plough-damaged building structure.
  • Majority of anomalies likely resulted from natural and agricultural processes rather than archaeological origins.

Abstract

Data was collected using a cart carrying four paired Bartington magnetic sensors. Four sensors mounted 1m horizontally apart and very accurately aligned to nullify the effects of the earth's magnetic field. Readings relate to the difference in localised magnetic anomalies compared with the general magnetic background. Each data point is geographically referenced using an on-board Trimble RTK survey grade GPS system. Readings were taken at 0.125m centres along traverses 1.0m apart. Readings relate to the difference in localised magnetic anomalies compared with the general magnetic background. The magnetometer survey has recorded magnetic responses that have been interpreted as being of possible archaeological interest. Discrete anomalies and linear trends are visible in the survey data and a cluster of these responses could mark the location of a possible building, which has been heavily plough damaged. However, it would be difficult to argue that the magnetic results are indicative of "the rest of the 'winged' villa awaiting discovery to the north-east" as suggested in the excavation report (KAFS 2023); a less substantial structure is perhaps more likely. Numerous responses of uncertain origin have been also marked. While some of these anomalies could have archaeological origins, the majority have probably been caused by a combination of natural processes and relatively recent agricultural processes. Modern ploughing is also visible across the magnetic data.

Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper

Cite This Study

Thomas Cockcroft (2025) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69e1cffa5cdc762e9d858f7ahttps://doi.org/10.5284/1140677
Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper