Archaeological Field Work | 1999 Field Season - Geophysics and Phosphate Survey
During the 1999 field season magnetic, conductivity, and phosphate testing was done in an attempt to determine the location of earlier structures, graves, and other archaeological materials.
This work focused our efforts at the site of Hrísbrú, where a series of test trenches were dug. Of the remote sensing techniques employed, conductivity surveys seem the most promising. On the other hand, phosphate testing for signs of excrement associated with animal husbandry showed little promise in this context.
Our test excavations greatly increased our understanding of the geology of the site. We learned that 1-2 meters of recent colluvial and aeolian deposits covered most areas of the Hrísbrú site.
This along with radiocarbon dates and stratigraphic evidence from below this deposit suggests that remains of a Viking period farm may be preserved at the site.
A magnetic gradient map of the Hrísbrú site.
Jon Erlandson and Jacqueline Eng excavating a trench at at Hrísbrú.
