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Uncovering History: Field Investigations of Abandoned Cemeteries Using GPR

Join Alison Henning from Rice University as she delves into the fascinating world of geophysical field work in neglected burial grounds. Discover how GPR, GPS, and GIS technologies help unearth hidden graves and historical insights. This project ties into local history, archeology, and service learning, providing a rewarding experience for all involved.

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Uncovering History: Field Investigations of Abandoned Cemeteries Using GPR

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  1. Field investigations of abandoned Negro cemeteries using GPRpresented byAlison HenningRice UniversityMarch 9, 2007

  2. Field Work Without Rocks! • Not much field work in Houston unless you are a sedimentologist – or a geophysicist! • Perform geophysical field work (mainly GPR, magnetometer) in abandoned cemeteries • Ties in to Houston history, archeology, land development, service learning

  3. Abandoned Cemeteries • Local geological society was volunteering at this cemetery • We discussed possibility of using GPR to document unmarked graves • Brought students out during the summer for GPR • Undergrads in GIS class returned several times to acquire GPS data

  4. It’s All About Geophysics • Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to image subsurface • Global positioning system (GPS) to locate GPR profiles and other features • Geographic information system (GIS) to organize and interpret data collected

  5. ESCI 515: Geophysical Field Work for Educators • Process of science • Teachers solve the problem - use common sense! • Acquire data over known targets and compare to data from field • Tie in to national and state standards • Follow up with academic year course in Earth Science

  6. Modern Cemetery 1963 1974 1985 Double Burial 2001 2006 Line 019 - 7/19/2007

  7. Modern Cemetery 1963 1974 1985 Double Burial 2001 2006 Anomaly - No Marker 7/19/2007

  8. Comparison of Modern Cemetery and Field Site 1963 1974 1985 Double Burial 2001 2006 Line 019 - 7/19/2007

  9. Note the change in soil color at red arrow – lighter soil to left contains clay that was excavated by digging, darker soil is undisturbed Anomaly at ~2 ft depth was excavated – found metal surface, sounds hollow when tapped Break in soil horizon at ~4 ft – grave shaft 8 ft ~2 ft

  10. GIS

  11. 1930

  12. 1956

  13. 2006

  14. Understanding Geophysics

  15. Correlates with anomaly found on line 1 Correlates with anomaly found on line 16

  16. Understanding Archeology

  17. Conclusions • Utilize geophysics, GPS and GIS to perform field work anywhere • Investigating abandoned cemeteries is helpful to the community and participants are highly motivated • Want to expand service learning component, involve more undergraduates and K-12 students

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