Archaeological Geophysics in China – A Historical Perspective

Archaeological geophysics has become indispensable in Chinese archaeology, enabling non-destructive detection and mapping of archaeological features with remarkable efficiency. Over the past 70 years, its development has mirrored advancements in geophysical technology, driven by both academic demand and economic growth. A pivotal moment occurred during the 2002–2003 survey at the Mausoleum of Qinshihuang, where a large-scale multi-geophysical project demonstrated unprecedented effectiveness in archaeological characterization. The study categorizes this evolution into four stages: embryonic (1950s–1980), initial (1980–2000), development (2000–2010), and internationalization (2010–present). Key applications now span ancient cities, tombs, cultural heritage preservation, urban underground remains, and underwater archaeology, solidifying geophysics as a standard tool for diverse archaeological interests in China.

Zhao, W., & Wang, B. (2024). Archaeological Geophysics in China – A Historical Perspective. World Archaeo-Geophysics, 93–107. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-57900-4_4