Computer simulations facilitating archaeological interpretations of ground-penetrating radar field data

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is one of the major geophysical prospecting techniques used in archaeology. Complex GPR profile data contains detailed reflections produced by subsurface features, but they are difficult to interpret. To help the interpretation of GPR profile data in an archaeological context, the use of computer models is investigated. Synthetic models can be used to produce reflection analogues that can be compared to real field data to help identify reflections produced by specific archaeological features. Modelling results can also be used to test hypotheses to determine which best explains the reflections observed in GPR profile data. Two test cases are presented, clearly demonstrating the benefits of using GPR models to help interpret reflection patterns produced by buried archaeological features.