The Perils of Pits: further research at Durrington Walls henge (2021–2025)

Vincent Gaffney; Eamonn Baldwin; Robin Allaby; Martin Bates; Richard Bates; Alex Finlay; Christopher Gaffney; Teri Hansford; Timothy Kinnaird; Wolfgang Neubauer; Klaus Löcker; Tom Sparrow; Immo Trinks; Mario Wallner; Eugene Ch'ng

doi:10.11141/ia.69.19

2.1 Method

Ground-penetrating radar surveys were undertaken with Mala GeoScience X3M single-channel systems over 1A, 2A, 3A and 13D and 16D (formerly Anomaly v), see Table 2.1. Cart-mounted 250MHz antennae with integrated odometers were controlled via X3M Ramac control units and XVII monitors. All survey grids (30mx 30m) were located to OSGB36 (15) with a DGPS unit (Leica GS16 GNSS Rover). Due to GPS signal quality on the day of grid set-out, the centre of each survey grid was off-set by c. -1.9m to the SSW. Post-survey, all survey grids and borehole locations were recorded with full DGPS signal accurate to ±2cm.

Table 2.1: GPR surveys summary
ID	Survey	Size	MHz	Transects	No.	Sampling
Fieldwork 2021 – Mala GeoScience X3M single-channel GPR system
1A	Area	30m x 30m	250	N–S	61	0.5m x 0.05m
2A	Area	30m x 30m	250	N–S	120	0.25m x 0.05m
3A	Area	30m x 30m	250	N–S	120	0.25m x 0.05m
13D	Area	30m x 30m	250	E–W	61	0.5m x 0.05m
16D (v)	Area	30m x 30m	250	E–W	61	0.5 x 0.05m

Raw data were downloaded, positioned and processed using GPR-Slice processing software. This was also utilised to generate profiles (radargrams) and depth-slice images (time slices). All images were located to grid outlines fixed by DGPS in real world coordinates.

Radargram profiles were produced following minimal processing including time-zeroing and background filter removal. Signal velocity was set according to calculations from hyperbola testing of selected radargrams. Further processing was employed to enhance the signal where necessary, including the use of bandpass filters, deconvolution and migration. Time slices were produced at 10cm depth intervals from radargrams processed with backgrounds filters, migration process and Hilbert transforms.

2.2 Northern anomalies – Durrington Parish: Anomaly 13D

This feature was originally mapped magnetically by Wessex Archaeology in 2015 and identified as a sink hole (Schmidt and Crabb 2017, anomaly 6016). It was subsequently reinterpreted as a probable pit by Gaffney et al. (2020, Anomaly 13D). As the location of 13D was only available to the current project from PDF reports, it was resurveyed with a fluxgate gradiometer in 2021 solely to locate the feature accurately for the purpose of positioning the GPR, EM and ERT survey grids.

A 250MHz GPR survey was conducted in an east–west orientation across the shallow valley and over 13D with a traverse spacing of 0.5m. Figure 2.1 illustrates the data as time slices at increasing depth through the topsoil. The data reveal very little of the subsurface at 13D. At the time of the survey the weather conditions were very poor, owing to heavy and continuous rain. As a result, penetration was reduced, and the imagery may simply reflect variation in surface covering and not any subsurface feature. There is a suggestion, albeit very faint, of a circular feature about 25m in diameter in the uppermost time slices. There is a hint that this cut feature (possible weathering cone) was traceable in profile (radargram 1990 – Figs 2.2 and 2.3. However, these data are extremely noisy, possibly resulting from a combination of the rough nature of the ground surface (ploughed) and external electronic interference.

Time slices at a c.0.5m–1.2m depth are dominated by strong amplitude responses associated with a backfilled excavation trench (Leivers et al. 2020) that runs diagonally WWE–ESSE across the survey area immediately in front of 13D.

2.3 Northern anomalies – Durrington Parish: Anomaly 16D – formerly Anomaly v

This feature was identified by the Stonehenge Hidden Landscape project from aerial photography (Gaffney et al. (2020, Anomaly v) and surveyed in 2021 to confirm its interpretation as most probably belonging to the northern arc of pits. Following confirmation of its magnetic characteristics, Anomaly v was renamed 16D).

A 250MHz GPR survey was conducted in an east–west orientation across the shallow valley and over 16D with a traverse spacing of 0.5m. Figure 2.4 shows the data in time slice maps at increasing depth through the topsoil. The data reveal little of the subsurface at 16D, as weather conditions were very poor at the time of the survey, owing to heavy and continuous rain. Despite limited penetration, an ovate feature c.20–25m in dimension is discernible, contrasting with underlying geological responses at time slice depths of c.0.6 –1.5m. There is some suggestion that this cut feature (possible weathering cone) is traceable in profile (radargram 2068 – Figs 2.5 and 2.6).

2.4 Southern Anomalies – Amesbury Parish: Anomaly 1A

This feature was previously identified by an LBI ArchPro magnetometer survey in 2013 as part of the Stonehenge Hidden Landscape project (see Gaffney et al. (2020, supplementary data 1).

A 250MHz GPR survey was conducted over an area of 30m x 30m, in which 1A was located. Ground conditions were dry enough for a clear GPR signal from the feature.

Time slices in Figure 2.7 identify an elliptical feature directly beneath the topsoil. The data indicate an identifiable weathering cone with a near circular central feature. Paradoxically, the near-surface plough marks are seen at depth throughout the time slices and presumably are a result of 'ringing' resulting from the recent heavy rain. The bottom of the feature is not identifiable. The weathering cone and central feature are also discernible in profile (radargram 2130 – Figs 2.8 and 2.9). Within the weathering cone, a reflective horizontal layer is evident (effectively 'sealing' the central feature beneath). A distinctive break in a deeper underlying geological response, which coincides with the position of the central cut feature above, is visible at c.2m depth.

2.5 Southern Anomalies – Amesbury Parish: Anomaly 2A

This feature was previously identified following an LBI ArchPro magnetometer survey in 2013 as part of the Stonehenge Hidden Landscape project (see Gaffney et al. (2020, supplementary data 1).

A 250MHz GPR survey was conducted over 2A in a north–south orientation (with zigzag method) and at a traverse spacing of 0.25m. Figure 2.10 shows time slices at increasing depth down through the topsoil. The results reveal a slightly irregular elliptical feature (c.20m in diameter) cutting into the underlying geology, to an estimated depth of between c.0.6m–1.2m. This feature seems to decrease in diameter with depth, indicating possible modification or erosion through natural processes.

Although the weather was dry during the survey, a combination of recent rain and a high clay content of the underlying subsoil may have limited the penetration of the radar signal. Analysis of radargram 8815 (Figs 2.11 and 2.12), however, suggests deeper responses within the feature are discernible in the profile down to c.3m, including a significant interface evident as a highly reflective layer response at c.2.2–2.8m depth.

Similarly, the time slice data suggest disturbances located centrally within the feature at an estimated depth of c.2.2m–2.7m. It is not clear if these responses reflect natural or anthropogenic features. The bottom of the feature is not identifiable in the GPR data.

Elsewhere within the survey data, linear vehicle tracks on the soil surface are evident in the uppermost time slices and these have also caused multiple signals to reappear at depth – they do not represent original features.

2.6 Southern Anomalies – Amesbury Parish: Anomaly 3A

This feature was previously identified through an LBI ArchPro magnetometer survey in 2013 as part of the Stonehenge Hidden Landscape project (see Gaffney et al. (2020 , supplementary data 1).

A 250MHz GPR survey was conducted in north–south orientation (with zigzag method) over 3A and a traverse spacing of 0.25m. Figures 2.13 and 2.14 show time slice maps at increasing depth down the topsoil. The results reveal a distinctly ovate feature (c.20m in diameter) cutting into the underlying geology, with an estimated depth of between c.0.4m–1.3m. This feature seems to decrease in diameter with depth, indicating possible modification or erosion through natural processes. Some internal features may be present. The bottom of the feature is not identifiable in the GPR data.

A combination of recent rain and the high clay content of the underlying geology (see Section 1.1 and Fig. 2) may have limited the penetration of the radar signal. Nonetheless, radargram 8711 (Fig. 2.15) suggests some deeper responses are visible in profile down to c.2.5m.

2.7 Conclusion

In summary, the GPR surveys were successful in providing supporting evidence for all five features surveyed. However, responses were usually limited to a relatively shallow depth (c.0.3m–1.5m depth), and the dimension of the features recorded, c.18–20m in diameter, suggest that these probably represented the weathering cones of deeper features. Where ground and weather conditions were more conducive to survey, the results from 1A, 2A, and 3A further indicate the presence of a narrower central feature with diameter of c.8–12m. Unfortunately, the loss of meaningful response after c.3m meant that the GPR was unable to detect the bottom of any feature.

Figures

Anomaly 13D

Figure 2-1 — Figure 2.1: GPR time slices from 13D (250MHz antenna survey 30m x 30m) increasing at c.0.1m depth intervals, (left to right, top to bottom). Very little penetration of the surface was achieved, most probably owing to poor weather conditions. There is a suggestion, albeit very faint, of a circular feature about 25m in diameter in the uppermost time slices. High amplitude responses running diagonally WNW–ESE across the survey area at a depth of c.0.5m–1.2m, reflect the backfill of an excavation trench (see Leivers *et al*. 2020). (Plots with 10m grid line intervals. North top. Greyscale: high amplitude – black, low amplitude – white)

Figure 2-2 — Figure 2.2: Above – GPR time slice from 13D from an estimated 0.7m–0.8m depth. Below – Same time slice with position of radargram profile 1990 (see Fig. 2.3) and two borehole locations marked in green. (Plots with 5m grid line intervals. North top. Greyscale: high amplitude – black, low amplitude – white)

Figure 2-3 — Figure 2.3: Top – GPR radargram profile (1990) west–east through 13D, bandpass and background filtered. Bottom – Preliminary interpretation of possible weathering cone and top of cut feature. (Radargrams: horizontal range at 1m intervals; vertical depth at c.0.4m intervals). Greyscale: high amplitude – black, low amplitude – white)

Anomaly 16D

Figure 2-4 — Figure 2.4: GPR time slices from 16D (250MHz antenna survey 30m x 30m) increasing at c.0.1m depth intervals (left to right, top to bottom), reveal limited penetration of the subsurface, most probably owing to poor weather conditions. A possible ovate feature of 20–25m dimension is visible across several time slices from c.60cm depth. (Plots with 10m grid line intervals. Greyscale: high amplitude – black, low amplitude – white)

Figure 2-5 — Figure 2.5: Above – GPR time slice from 16D from an estimated 1.2m–1.3m depth. Below – Same time slice with position of radargram profile 2068 (see Fig. 2.6) and borehole location marked in green. (Plots with 5m grid line intervals. North top. Greyscale: high amplitude – black, low amplitude – white)

Figure 2-6 — Figure 2.6: Top – GPR radargram profile (2068) west–east through 16D, bandpass and background filtered. Bottom – Preliminary interpretation of possible weathering cone and top of cut feature. (Radargrams: horizontal range at 1m intervals; vertical depth at c.0.4m intervals). Greyscale: high amplitude – black, low amplitude – white)

Anomaly 1A

Figure 2-7 — Figure 2.7: GPR time slices from 1A (250MHz antenna survey 30m x 30m) increasing at c.0.1m depth intervals (left to right, top to bottom), reveal an elliptical feature (c.20m in diameter) cutting into the underlying geology. A Fast Fourier Transform process was applied to the time slices to minimise ringing noises from the plough lines. (Plots with 10m grid line intervals. Greyscale: high amplitude – black, low amplitude – white)

Figure 2-8 — Figure 2.8: Above – GPR time slice from 1A from an estimated 0.6m–0.7m depth. Below – Same time slice with borehole location and radargram profile 2130 (x 19.5m) (see Fig. 2.9) noted in green. (Plots with 5m grid line intervals. North top. Greyscale: high amplitude – black, low amplitude – white)

Figure 2-9 — Figure 2.9: Top – GPR radargram profile (2130) west–east through 1A, bandpass and background filtered. Middle – preliminary interpretation of possible weathering cone with sealing layer, coinciding with deeper possible break (c.11m width) in the geology below 2m depth. Bottom – topographically corrected GPR radargram profile (2130) north–south through Anomaly 1A (Radargrams: horizontal range at 1m intervals; vertical depth at c.0.4m intervals (top and middle, 0.25m bottom). Greyscale: high amplitude – black, low amplitude – white)

Anomaly 2A

Figure 2-10 — Figure 2.10: Processed GPR time slices from 2A (250MHz antenna survey 30m x 30m) increasing at c.0.1m depth intervals (left to right, top to bottom), reveal a slightly irregular elliptical feature (c.20m in diameter) cutting into the underlying geology, most notably at an estimated depth of between c.0.6m–1.2m. Final time slice (bottom right) estimated at c.3m. (Plot with 10m grid line intervals. North top. Greyscale: high amplitude – black, low amplitude – white)

Figure 2-11 — Figure 2.11: Above – GPR time slice from 2A at estimated 0.7m–0.8m depth. Below – Same time slice with position of radargram profile 8815 (see Fig. 2.12) and borehole location marked in green. (Plots with 5m grid line intervals. North top. Greyscale: high amplitude – black, low amplitude – white)

Figure 2-12 — Figure 2.12: Top – GPR radargram profile (8815) through 2A. Bottom – Preliminary interpretation of possible weathering cone and top of cut feature. A significant interface within the cut feature is a highly reflective layer-response noted at an estimated 2.1m–2.5m depth. (Radargrams: horizontal range at 1m intervals; vertical depth at c.0.5m intervals. Greyscale: high amplitude – black, low amplitude – white)

Anomaly 3A

Figure 2-13 — Figure 2.13: Processed GPR time slices from 3A (250MHz antenna survey 30m x 30m) increasing in c.0.1m depth intervals (left to right, top to bottom), reveal an ovate feature (c.20m in diameter) cutting into the underlying geology, most notably at an estimated depth of between c.0.3m–1.2m. Final time slice (bottom right) estimated at c.5.5m. (Plot: 10m grid line intervals. North top. Greyscale: high amplitude – black, low amplitude – white)

Figure 2-14 — Figure 2.14: Above – GPR time slice from 3A at estimated 0.5m–0.6m depth. Below – Same time slice with position of radargram profile 8711 (see Fig. 2.15) and borehole location marked in green. (Plots with 5m grid line intervals. North top. Greyscale: high amplitude – black, low amplitude – white)

Figure 2-15 — Figure 2.15: Top – GPR radargram profile (8711) through 2A. Bottom – Preliminary interpretation of an eroded or cut feature possibly traceable to c.2.6m depth. (Radargrams: horizontal range at 2m intervals; vertical depth at c.0.5m intervals. Greyscale: high amplitude – black, low amplitude – white

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