In the Field/In the Laboratory

Archaeology and geophysical survey work. Because it's an ongoing project site, I'll identify it in general terms as a former hamlet area on the grounds of an important battle of the American Revolution. The device above reads beneath the surface and records its field data for later analysis in a lab.

The scanning device is mounted and maneuvered on three wheels over the ground; roots at the base of large trees -- and cellphones -- interfere with its capabilities. A small copperhead snake guards a nearby woodpile; nicknamed Babyface George, it's the site "mascot."

Back in the computer laboratory, 3D scanning results are compared with field notes, looking for patterns, anomalies and features.

There are two types of scanning going on. This readout looks sort of like the surface of the Moon, but it's the same site. Here, apparent anomalies seem more pronounced.  

Concurrent archaeological grid. This is traditionally how the artifacts are recovered -- carefully, and meticulously recorded.  I saw some artifacts in the field and in the archaeology lab, including a trigger probably beloging to a Pennsylvania long rifle and some animal bone fragments. Also found: brickwork, ceramic and pottery sherds, a smashed (fired) musket ball, a button and a single grape shot.

Today's Rune: Wholeness.