1887

Abstract

Summary

The geophysical investigations carried out at the archaeological forum of Augusta Bagiennorum demonstrate the effectiveness of a multi-method approach in subsurface exploration. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys produced high-resolution three-dimensional datasets, enabling a detailed mapping of buried buildings of archaeological relevance. However, in clay-rich soils, the penetration depth of radar signals is significantly limited. To address this issue, a novel full-3D Electric Resistivity Tomography (ERT) acquisition strategy was applied over a subset of the area previously surveyed with GPR. The results revealed a high degree of compatibility between the two datasets and highlighted the ability of ERT to detect anomalies that remained invisible to radar.

Notably, a buried circular structure undetected by GPR was successfully identified through ERT. This integration demonstrates how combining geophysical techniques provides a more comprehensive understanding of the subsurface, particularly in complex stratigraphic contexts. The study also introduces the forthcoming application of gradiometric and Frequency Domain Electro-Magnetic (FDEM) measurements, which will be presented for the first time. Overall, this case study confirms the strategic value of methodological integration in archaeological prospection, offering a replicable model for future investigations at Augusta Bagiennorum and comparable sites.

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2025-09-07
2026-02-14

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/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.202520115
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The Forum of Augusta Bagiennorum (Cuneo, Italy): Unveiling its Subsurface through Multi-Methodological Geophysical Investigations
Conference Proceedings 2025, 1 (2025); https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.202520115
/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.202520115
/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.202520115
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