Application of Magnetic Method in Shallow Investigation for Parts of ( Tall Arab-Kumbet ) Archaeological site / Southern Kirkuk City

Abstract

In this study a survey for the archaeological area of Tall-Arab (Kombat) has been done by magnetic method using ( MCL-2 microcomputer magnetometer ) which can measure the vertical component of the magnetic field. The studied area is located in Hay Al-Wasti which is located at about 15 km to the south of Kirkuk center. It covers about 1320 m2, with dimensions ( 120 * 110 )m. In the beginning a reconnaissance magnetic survey has done in order to choose the convenient measuring altitude of the sensor and the suitable station– spacing. Measurement were taken from 50 cm height above ground surface, with 10 m. station – spacing. The observed magnetic reading were corrected for the daily changing of earth magnetic field, while the normal correction was neglected because the space of the area is small and terrain correction was not applied because the area is nearly flat and sedimentary. Then a vertical field magnetic map was drawn from the corrected data. Many samples of archaeological bricks and soil were collected from the study to measure their magnetic susceptibility using the instrument ( SM-30 ). The magnetic data treated by applying different methods such as the graphical and the polynomial analyses for regional– residual separation. The qualitative and quantitative interpretation has done on the magnetic field map by using different limited ways and the central anomalies have been identified on the remaining and vertical magnetic field map. The quantitative interpretation has done using the fore ward modeling of chosen traverses by the program ( Mag2dc ). The qualitative and quantitative analyses showed that the negative anomaly are a result of the existence of canals, trenches or graves (cellars). Positive, linear-elongated anomaly reflect the existence of extended archaeological walls that have been built from mud or backed clay. Positive, circular or quasicircular anomaly represent a base foundation for construction, which may have been destroyed or disintegrated by influence of weathering or other factors.