Double Palisades and Double Frequencies: Comparing Single-Channel and Dual-Channel Ground Penetrating RADAR data from Hiwassee Island.

Summary

The vast majority of Ground Penetrating RADAR (GPR) surveys have used one ultra-wide band frequency range when examining sites. With this choice come assumptions of the maximum depth and size of potential features as there is always a trade-off in GPR between depth range and maximum resolution. A multi-component site or one with extended occupation may warrant surveys with different GPR antennas in order to reach the earlier occupations and still resolve small features, such as post molds. However, the use of multiple antennas will typically double the survey time. A 2015 survey of Hiwassee Island (40MG31) in the Tennessee River afforded an opportunity to directly compare results from a single-channel, 400 MHz antenna, and dual-channel system, which combines an 800 MHz and 300 MHz into one antenna. Results from this survey show the impact a dual channel system can make when interpreting features of varying sizes and depths while still being budget conscious.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2016)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage