Metodologia geofísica aplicada à pesquisa de salvamento arqueológico nos sítios Bittencourt, Jambuaçu e Jaburu, Estado do Pará

Abstract

We present the results obtained in the application of geophysical methods to help the archaeological rescue of remains in the three following sites in Pará, northern of Brazil: Bittencourt, located in Abaetetuba; Jambuaçu, located in Moju; and Jaburu, located in Almeirim. Magnetometry, scintillometry and ground penetrating radar (GPR) were used in the study. Magnetic measurements were taken as the main tool to indicate places for excavation. GPR was used to confirm the anomalies detected with the magnetic method and provided a restriction to the magnetic anomalies caused by non-archaeological artifacts. Scintillometry was used as an attempt to map the archaeological black earth (ABE) or Terra Preta Arqueológica (TPA) soil through the detection of natural gamma ray emitted by the ground. The excavations carried out on the indications of magnetometry and GPR yielded the recovery of ceramics, faience, lithics, and iron artifacts. The scintillometric data showed that exist a good correlation between low radiation and large thickness of ABE (TPA). The used geophysical methodology proved to be efficient and quick with no destructive impact to the sites.