Definition: The geophysical prospection technique of investigating archaeological sites called soil resistivity was first used for archaeology by Richard Atkinson in the mid-1940s. Resistivity in soil is a measure of how well a soil passes electric current. Soil passes electric current in varying levels; the higher the resistivity of a given soil, the less electric current passes through. Resistivity of soil varies with moisture and temperature, and the resistivity of a given soil varies throughout the year.
But luckily, for archaeological purposes, rock doesn't pass electric current as well as soil does, so measuring levels of resistivity can identify subsurface features like buried foundation walls very well indeed.
The most commonly used type of soil resistivity used on archaeological sites is the Venner method, which involves inserting four probes into the soil and sending electric currents across to one another. Resistance is measured in ohms by a voltmeter.
But luckily, for archaeological purposes, rock doesn't pass electric current as well as soil does, so measuring levels of resistivity can identify subsurface features like buried foundation walls very well indeed.
The most commonly used type of soil resistivity used on archaeological sites is the Venner method, which involves inserting four probes into the soil and sending electric currents across to one another. Resistance is measured in ohms by a voltmeter.
Sources
Ellwood, Brooks B. 1990 Electrical resistivity surveys in two historical cemeteries in Northeast Texas: A method for delineating unidentified burial shafts. Historical Archaeology 24:91-98.
Heimmer, Don H. 1992 Near-Surface, High Resolution Geophysical Methods for Cultural Resource Management and Archaeological Investigations. Interagency Archeological Services, Rocky Mountain Regional Office, National Park Service, Denver
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
