The Self-Potential (SP) Method
An Inexpensive Reconnaissance and Archaeological Mapping Tool
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 11074161 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jeffrey C Wynn (corresponding author), Susan I Sherwood |
| Year | 1984 |
| Volume | 11 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 195-204 |
| Publication date | 1984-01-01 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Field Archaeology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0093-4690 • E-ISSN: 2042-4582 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1179/jfa.1984.11.2.195 |
| OpenAlex | W2073564517 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 4 |
Field experiments using the self-potential (SP) method have been conducted at the Harpers Ferry, Fort Washington, and Piscataway historical sites along the Potomac River in Maryland. The method has proved useful for identifying buried foundations as well as soils disturbed in historical times. SP voltages can also arise from phenomena not related to these factors, including recent rainfall, superficial variations in soil chemistry, and electrode polarization. Most of the effects from these disturbing factors can be minimized by careful field procedures. The method is rapid (about one measurement per minute) and is perhaps the least expensive of all geophysical exploration techniques. It could be used for routine reconnaissance surveys of possible cultural sites, complementing the relatively standard magnetic survey with another physical parameter indicative of human occupational disturbance. The principal limitation to its general applicability is the careful interpretation required. This problem is addressed briefly in this paper
Archaeology · Field (mathematics · Geography · Interpretation (philosophy · Principal (computer security · Remote sensing · Computer Science · Earthquake Detection and Analysis · Geology · Geophysical and Geoelectrical Methods · Geophysical Methods and Applications · Mathematics
| Citations per year | 0.1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 1986 - 2014 (29) |
| Highly cited | No |