f Geophysicists, Gods And Graves

The traditional use of geophysical surveys to provide design parameters for civil engineers,<br>aquifer parameters for hydrogeologists, and geologic information for mineral and petroleum<br>explorationists has been well documented. The non-traditional uses of geophysical surveys have<br>intrigued a small number of investigators over the years, such that geophysicists are becoming<br>involved in some rather unique investigations.<br>Borehole geophysical logging techniques have been utilized to map the conditions of and<br>delineate anomolous areas surrounding a horizontal drain system along the toe of a dam. These<br>same techniques played a major role in determining in-situ density changes in mine tailings<br>during dynamic compaction, and providing input for tailings compaction without the use of<br>explosives.<br>Electrical resistivity surveys are being used to monitor fresh water encroachment upon mines and<br>well fields, while self potential surveys have been used to map seepage paths and monitor<br>seepage from impoundment dams. Seismic refraction surveys are being used to investigate<br>embankment integrity of earthen dams and airborne geophysical surveys are being used to<br>characterize hazardous waste sites.<br>Just as the mineral and petroleum explorationist is often seeking a needle in a haystack the<br>archaeologist is forced to work with a similar exploration philosophy. Geophysical surveys are<br>being increasingly used in archaeological investigations from searching for the remnants of the<br>Spanish Plate Fleet to delineating anomolous areas around the Pyramid of the Sun in Mexico, a<br>temple built to the Gods.