Ground-penetrating radar is a near-surface geophysical technique that can provide three-dimensional maps and other images of buried archaeological features and associated stratigraphy in a precise way. This revised edition, by the expert in the field, provides the basics of the physics, chemistry, geology, and archaeology in a clear fashion, unburdened by complex equations or theory. Additions to the forth edition include:

• Updates to recent hardware and software advances in three-dimensional antenna array systems and antenna offset technology;
• Expanded data processing methods that explains how to get more from your raw data, with examples to show why this is necessary and the results obtained;
• Expanded examples from around the world and in various environmental settings that explains how non-traditional data analysis steps can provide clarity to results in ways that are not usually done with traditional.

The reader will be able to understand how the latest equipment and software and the results of data collection and processing can be used effectively in a number of different settings. Both potential pitfalls and successes and the reasons for them are discussed. With over 100 images and important tables and graphs, this book is a useful reference in the field and for data processing in GPR.

Lawrence Conyers is the author of five books on GPR, and more than forty-five peer reviewed journal articles. He was one of the first to develop GPR techniques for both archaeology and geological applications starting in the late 1980s and has been on the forefront of using these methods to find, map and understand buried sites around the world. He was also instrumental in developing software for imaging the ground, with hundreds of software users around the world. His specialty is GPR, and recently the integration of GPR results with magnetic gradiometer data. He began his academic career at the University of Denver, Colorado in 1995, specializing in using geophysics for mapping buried archaeological sites. The last 25 years of his research has taken him to more than 65 countries around the world on all inhabited continents.

List of Figures, Tables and Equations

Acknowledgements

Preface

Introductory Thoughts on this Edition

1. Some Basics of GPR

Geophysics Today and the Goals of this Book

Some Pet Peeves to Get out of the Way

2. Introduction to Ground-penetrating Radar

History of GPR

3. Radar Wave Generation and Propagation

Radar Antennas and Wavelengths

Ground Properties Affecting Radar Wave Transmission

Production of Reflections

Recording of Radar Waves

Acquisition Settings and Collection Procedures

GPR on Water

Antenna Frequency Constraints

Radar Wave Reflections

Dispersion and Attenuation of Radar Waves in the Ground

Basic Reflection Types

Resolution of Subsurface Features

4. Ground-Penetrating Radar Equipment and Acquisition Software

Data Acquisition Software: Setup Parameters

5. Velocity Analysis

Direct Velocity Measurements

CMP and WARR Tests

Transillumination Tests

Laboratory Measurements of RDP

Analysis of Point-source Reflection Hyperbolas

6. Post-acquisition Data Processing

More on Initial Processing Steps

Amplitude Slice-map Production

Isosurfaces and Videos

More Advances Processing Steps

Migration

Frequency Filtering

Deconvolution

Hilbert Transform

Multiple-offset Processing

Other Experimental Analyses

Data Processing Conclusions

7. Interpretation of GPR Data

Synthetic GPR Models

Synthetic Modeling Applications

Horizon Picking

Amplitude Analysis in Slice-maps

Subtle Feature Discovery with Amplitude Mapping

Production of Rendered Images

Very High Frequency GPR

GPR and Magnetics Used Together

8. Conclusions

Glossary of Terms used in this Book

References

Index

About the Author

This book provides an excellent guide for archaeologists and geophysicists who are studying GPR for archeology. Lawrence B. Conyers puts his fingers on the most modern advances in the GPR technology and presents a wide range of information that offers a comprehensive picture of using this method in archeology.
— Mohammed AL-Hameedawi, archeogeophysicist, Smart Line Geophysical Survey

This book has been an essential introduction and reference for GPR survey in archaeology. This updated edition now includes many of the new developments in the field from the last decade and is the best introduction to this important component of the archaeologist’s toolkit.
— Dr. Kris Lockyear, Institute of Archaeology, University College London

This volume is essential reading for GPR novices and professionals. Accessible, engaging, and at times entertaining, the volume adeptly covers history, theory, method, and interpretation of GPR. It is packed with technical details, real-life examples, practical advice, and opinions formed over decades of experience. The book straddles the past, present, and future of GPR, with great respect for data and the nuts-and-bolts of GPR work from collecting to interpreting and presenting data.
— Andy Creekmore, Ph.D., professor and chair, department of anthropology, University of Northern Colorado

Drawing upon the latest research, using examples from around the globe, and covering all the fundamentals, Professor Conyers fourth edition is an invaluable resource for archaeologists and geophysicists alike.
— Emma St Pierre, director, RADARch Archaeological and Geophysical Consulting

This fully revised edition is the most comprehensive and insightful guide to GPR in archaeological prospection. Peppered with personal anecdotes from three decades researching the method around the world, prospection pioneer Lawrence Conyers generously shares his knowledge. A must-read for students, practitioners, researchers, and anyone wishing to fundamentally understand the royal discipline of archaeo-geophysics.
— Immo Trinks, associate professor of geoarchaeology, University of Vienna

Lawrence Conyers book remains essential reading for anyone looking to use the GPR method to study or manage the archaeological record. With this 4th edition, Conyers expertly weaves the developments of the past decade with his signature story-telling style, resulting in an exceptionally informative and accessible book.
— Jennie O. Sturm, Ph.D., RPA, geophysics program director, Statistical Research, Inc.

Lawrence Conyers’ book is a comprehensive guide to ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology and its application in archaeology. It covers everything from the basic principles of GPR to processing and visualization in a language everyone can understand. The book is a must-read and essential resource for understanding and applying GPR for non-destructive archaeology.
— Arne Anderson Stamnes, senior researcher, department of archaeology and cultural heritage, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology

From survey design to data interpretation, Ground-Penetrating Radar for Archaeology shows how GPR can provide unique information to support archaeological research, while warning archaeologists this can only be achieved through thorough understanding of the principles, potentials, and pitfalls of the method. Complementing existing works on GPR theory, practical insights on these aspects are exactly what this book provides.
— Philippe De Smedt, Department of Environment, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium