Is it possible to contract a geophysics survey? | Forum

M

megadread Sep 29, 2010 21:34:40

Replying to Creyr

Creyr wrote:

Just been to a most interesting talk and presentation by Robert Farrah on his research into the astronomical and landscape alignments of the Cumbrian sites as detailed in his book A Guide to the Stone Circles of Cumbria.
see http://www.hayloft.eu/stonecircles.html

It has inspired me anew to further explore our local stones and one question that keeps recurring is why has no one done a geophysics survey of the northern end of the shap avenue area? (the southern end being mostly under the railway/town)
I am wondering if it possible to contract someone to do this sort of thing privately and if so how much it would cost. I bet theres plenty of local people who would be willing to chip in and I certainly wouldnt mind doing a bit of fundraising for such a project.

Any thoughts/pointers/offers/reasons why its a stupid idea gratefully received.

Thanks Claire

It's all well and good getting a geofizz survey done but it's the interpretation of the data that's the real problem.
I'm no expert, far from it, my only experience of geofizz is what i've witnessed on the telly, so not much, but, the interpretation seems to be a mine field to be taken with a large pinch of salt.
How many times have you seen a large "interesting" anomaly turn out to be little or nothing when actually investigated.

N

nigelswift Sep 30, 2010 06:49:13

Replying to Creyr

What a shame, you've just missed the chance to bid for one! http://heritageaction.wordpress.com/2010/09/10/bid-for-your-own-bespoke-geophysical-survey/

Weve talked about this before. I don't think the hardware is beyond the reach of a community group but there's one bizarre possibility - even though it's a non-intrusive technique it may be considered to be in breach of bylaws/planning regs or other rules. You'd need to check.

I believe a Metal Detecting Holiday company that caters for North Americans to come over here is in possession of one - you could ask them how they get on with it (I'm not giving their name as I disapprove of them!)

S

StoneGloves Sep 30, 2010 10:06:39

Replying to Creyr

You're almost certainly right about major Cumbrian monuments lying hidden. If you could find something new, connected with the Shap presently-known stuff, then you'd strengthen any case you're proposing for funding. Fieldwalking usually accompanies geophys and this is less cost intensive. The winter is coming and this is when scattered objects on the ground surface are readily visible. A single field could sample an entire area, in theory. The county archaeologist, Richard, is progressive-minded, which is a great plus, the SMR recorder is very friendly, and Tullie Hse is also a bit avant garde! My approach would be to find some broken wall, get the contract, start work, and then follow sightlines from known monuments. FlashEarth and GoogleEarth can also occasionally yield interesting images that lead to finds. And then there was an old farmer that had a theory about shadows of Cumbrian stones, in circles, which he published, in sections, on the other site. He'd be worth talking to, about Shap, if he is still wired in. Good luck (from Northumberland)!

C

Creyr Sep 30, 2010 10:22:02

Replying to Creyr

Hey Thanks Everyone!
Im getting some great pointers.
Thanks fitz for highlighting your blog - i read it a few years ago and will have another look later today. Have you any thoughts on the alleged (by Dr Simpson) Brackenbyre circle? His drawing of 1860ish shows a huge circle (400ft diameter) close to the present Brackenber Farm. This is different from Stukeley's account.

My dream today is to somehow get the whole community involved in a Michael Wood style uncover your heritage type project and persuade the big society pursestring holders that it would be a marvellous use of money! I think my first step has got to be finding someone who actually lives in Shap (Im about 10 miles away) who thinks its a good idea otherwise Im just a meddling incomer!

M

mickey Sep 21, 2014 22:06:51

Replying to Creyr

Creyr wrote:

Just been to a most interesting talk and presentation by Robert Farrah on his research into the astronomical and landscape alignments of the Cumbrian sites as detailed in his book A Guide to the Stone Circles of Cumbria.
see http://www.hayloft.eu/stonecircles.html

It has inspired me anew to further explore our local stones and one question that keeps recurring is why has no one done a geophysics survey of the northern end of the shap avenue area? (the southern end being mostly under the railway/town)
I am wondering if it possible to contract someone to do this sort of thing privately and if so how much it would cost. I bet theres plenty of local people who would be willing to chip in and I certainly wouldnt mind doing a bit of fundraising for such a project.

Any thoughts/pointers/offers/reasons why its a stupid idea gratefully received.

Thanks Claire

I realise this thread is 4 years old but if you are still interested I did some geophysics at Shap in 2010. I did a resistivity survey at the north end of the avenue and around Skellow Hill and a small survey around the demolished stone circle next to the railway.

J

jonmor Sep 22, 2014 18:45:39

Replying to Creyr

Don't do geophys but do use similar technology for other sorts of scanning. Bear in mind that this stuff (even the multi-phase scanners) isn't quite as reliable as is portrayed in press releases.