Magnetometer Survey

 

In order to maximize the our limited resources, to locate additional possible archaeological materials and to learn new methods for archaeological remote sensing, in December 2000 a magnetometer survey of parts of the campus was carried out by a team consisting of faculty and students using a rented hand-held Cesium Magnetometer.  Magnetometers are capable of detecting very slight anomalies in the earth's magnetic field which are sometimes caused by ferrous metal (iron or steel) or concentrations of ceramic materials such as bricks. 

 

Geologist, Dr. Criss Capps of ASU's Chemistry & Physics Department, checks and calibrates the cesium magnetometer before beginning to collect data for analysis. Using the magnetometer the team was able to locate several promising areas where further subsurface study is justified.  Two of these areas have been excavated resulting in the exposure of the foundation of the Guardhouse bell tower and the Arsenal well in the President's Garden. 
 

 
   

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