Geophysical and Geochemical Survey on the Nazca Lines

A geophysical and geochemical survey on the Nazca Lines, part of UNESCO's World Heritage Site, revealed subsurface channel structures with lower resistivity at a depth of 3.5 meters, distinct from surface gullies. These findings suggest higher water content in these channels, providing new insights into the weathering processes affecting the desert soils beneath the geoglyphs. The study combined resistivity and ground-penetrating radar (georadar) surveys, demonstrating that while georadar offers faster data acquisition, resistivity methods proved effective despite dry surface conditions. This interdisciplinary approach, involving Peruvian and German researchers, aims to deepen the understanding of physical and chemical processes around the Nazca Lines, crucial for their durable conservation.

Weller, A., Rosas, S., Eidner, M., & Hartsch, K. (2013). GEOPHYSICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL SURVEY ON THE NAZCA LINES. Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems 2013, 1, 20–29. https://doi.org/10.4133/sageep2013-021.1