Does archaeological geophysics really work in Australia? Its current role in Australian archaeology.
Abstract
In 2012, Australian Archaeology published the paper entitled ‘Review of Geophysical Applications in Australian Archaeology’. At the time, the goals of the article were to examine the history of archaeological geophysics in Australian archaeology and to consider the factors that may have prevented such methods not being utilised in many investigations to date, especially since they have been popularized in Europe and North America. It concluded by stating that considerations such as costs, time, instrument availability and lack of theoretical knowledge contributed to the limited uptake of these techniques. This paper also offered suggestions on geophysical applications today and whether there was potential in Australian archaeology. Six years have passed since its initial publication. This working paper addresses whether there has been any changes, improvements or even progress of this application in Australian archaeology and whether it really does work in the Australian landscape.
Authors: Kelsey M. Lowe1,2
1Institute of Resilient Regions, School of Arts and Communication, The University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba QLD 4350, Australia
2School of Social Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4078, Australia
About the Presenters
Dr Kelsey M. Lowe has over 17 years experience in archaeology and cultural heritage management and specialises in archaeological geophysics, geoarchaeology and geographic information systems (GIS). Her formal qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Minnesota State University Moorhead, a Master of Arts in Anthropology from University of Mississippi and a doctorate in Archaeology from the University of Queensland (UQ). Dr Lowe has been involved in several research projects in Australia, Cyprus, Greece, Indonesia, Myanmar, South America, Turkey and the United States. She has held two postdoctoral positions: one with the Institute of Mediterranean Studies, Foundation of Research and Technology, Hellas (IMS-FORTH) in Crete and the second (current position), as an ARC Senior Research Associate at the University of Southern Queensland. Dr Lowe is also an Honorary Research Fellow at UQ and a Senior Archaeologist at Everick Heritage Consulting.
About Archaeology Working Papers
The Working Papers in Archaeology seminar series provides a forum for dissemination of archaeological research and ideas amongst UQ archaeology students and staff. All students are invited to attend the series and postgraduate students, from honours upwards, are invited to present their research. The aim is to provide opportunities for students, staff and those from outside UQ, to present and discuss their work in an informal environment. It is hoped that anyone interested in current archaeological directions, both within and outside the School and University, will be able to attend and contribute to the series.
