Minimalinvasive Direct-push-Erkundung in der Feuchtboden(geo)archäologie am Beispiel des Karlsgrabens (Fossa Carolina)

Abstract

Minimally Invasive Direct Push Sensing Investigation for Wetland (Geo)Archaeology: the Example of the Fossa Carolina

Archaeological excavations in floodplains and wetlands are often expensive and difficult to carry out due to ground water inflow and subsoil instability. However, these locations offer very important archaeological sites and archives. Alternatively, driving core techniques lack in imprecise depth accuracy caused by the effects of compacting the organic sediments. This study presents the application of depth-accurate, minimally invasive in situ direct push sensing techniques for the high-resolution exploration of archaeological structures below the ground water level. We also reconstruct the trench fillings of the early Medieval Fossa Carolina. The Fossa Carolina represents the first attempt to create a continuous waterway from the Rhine to the Danube and is considered as one of the most important early Medieval monuments in Europe. The spatial extend and the aggradation history of the Carolingian trench were reconstructed by the application of high-resolution and depth-accurate direct push sensing techniques (electrical conductivity and sediment colour).