Geophysics as a Viable Tool in Phase 1 Archaeological Investigations

Geophysics as a Viable Tool in Phase 1 Archaeological Investigations: Bringing Ohio Archaeology Into the 21st Century. Panel discussion at the Spring OAC Membership Meeting, May 7, 2021. Al Tonetti (moderator). Panelists: Kevin Nolan, Jarrod Burks, and Thomas Grooms Abstract: This panel discussion will examine the efficacy of using archaeological geophysics in Phase 1 field investigations to identify archaeological “sites” (a construct we may re-examine at another time) eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, called “historic properties”. The primary question explored is under what circumstances in regulatory processes (e.g., 36 CFR Part 800/Section 106 and ORC 149.53) is magnetic gradiometry (and/or other geophysical instrumentation) a Phase 1 survey best practice for complying with the Section 106 standard of making a reasonable and good faith effort to identify historic properties archaeological in nature