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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 and Eugene Ch'ng

SDF 4: Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) Survey

Martin Bates (University of Wales Trinity St David), Richard Bates (University of St Andrews) and Chris Gaffney (University of Bradford)

Cite this as: Gaffney, V., Baldwin, E., Allaby, R., Bates, M., Bates, R., Finlay, A., Gaffney, C., Hansford, T., Kinnaird, T., Neubauer, W., Löcker, K., Sparrow, T., Trinks, I., Wallner, M. and Ch’ng, E. 2025 The Perils of Pits: further research at Durrington Walls henge (2021-2025), Internet Archaeology 69. https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.69.19

Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) was acquired along 2D profiles across 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 7A, 8A, 13D and 16D (Anomaly v) using both an ABEM SAS4000 Terrameter and a ZZGeo Resistivity Imaging FlashRES-64 (see Table 4.1). Long-line survey lines were extended using a roll-a-long method involving an overlap of measurements, thereby increasing the length of the line. The instruments were deployed using an electrode spacing of either 0.5m, 1m, or 2m across the centres of target features. The Terrameter was additionally used with 3m spacing along transects between target features. The electrode locations were surveyed using a Trimble GNSS system. A modified Wenner and Dipole array was used with the Terrameter ensuring the acquisition of data to depths of greater than 10m, while the FlashRES collected data in tomographic multiple data format. Following acquisition, the data was imported to a PC for further processing with Res2DInv (GeoTomo Inc.) and the production of electrical pseudo-section models.

When considering these data, it should be noted that the quality and reliability of the model decreases with depth for all the electrode spacings. Thus, for an electrode spacing of 0.5m and line length of <50m then a high degree of confidence in the data only extends to a depth of 5m or less, with 1m electrode spacing and a line length of <100m then high confidence is to <10m, with 3m spacing and a line length of > 200m then high confidence is <20m.

Table 4.1: ERT surveys 2021 summary
ID Type Instrument Electrodes Interval (m) Line Length (m)
13D Single line Flash 64 64 1 63
16D (v) Long line ABEM SAS4000 64 3 291
1A Single line Flash 64 64 1 63
2A Long line ABEM SAS4000 64 1 78
5A Long line ABEM SAS4000 64 1 78
  Long line ABEM SAS4000 64 2 156
7A Long line ABEM SAS4000 64 0.5 74
  Long line ABEM SAS4000 64 1 77
5A, 4A, 3A, 2A Long line ABEM SAS4000 64 3 408

4.1 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.

Results

A single ERT line (spacing 1m) was undertaken across the presumed anomaly. As can be seen in Figure 4.1, there is a clear low resistivity signal in the central location. The shape of the anomaly is, relative to some of the other examples in this report, rather amorphous. The shape is not vertical sided, and the bottom of the anomaly appears to be at a depth of 4–5m.

4.2 Anomaly 16 – 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, it was renamed 16D (see Section 1, Magnetometer Survey).

Results

A relatively long-line ERT survey (Fig. 4.14) with an electrode spacing of 3m was conducted with a north–south orientation across the shallow valley and through the centre of Anomaly v. Figure 4.2 shows the pseudo-section results with penetration to 40m beneath ground surface. Electrical resistivity values were modelled with a range of resistivity from 20-300ohm.m. The near-surface resistivity values are consistent with the surface electromagnetic-derived ground conductivity, showing a general low conductivity (higher resistivity) to the south with an increase in conductivity (lower resistivity) in the centre of the valley and immediately to the north of Anomaly v (Figs 4.3 and 4.4). The location of the Anomaly v is indicated clearly by an area of relatively lower resistivity with both the size (a diameter of approximately 20m) and depth (approximately 5m) consistent with that of known pits in both northern and southern arc series (Gaffney et al. 2020). The relatively flat bottom and steep sides of the feature are readily apparent on the section.

4.3 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 file 1).

Results

A single ERT line (1m separation between probes) was placed through the approximate centre of the feature. As can be seen in Figure 4.5, there is a low resistivity anomaly, about 8m across and characterised by steep sides. There is an abrupt change at c.4 to 4.5m, which is presumed to coincide with the base of the pit.

4.4 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 file 1).

Results

Results from 2A (3m electrode spacing) suggest a gently eroded or modified feature approximately 20m in diameter with a potentially greater than expected depth of c.8–10m (see Section 4.12).

An additional traverse (Fig. 4.6) was undertaken at 2A with an electrode spacing of 1m. The results are in line with those from the wider spaced 3m traverse.

4.5 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 file 1).

Results

Results from a 3m electrode spacing survey line over 3A (Fig. 4.7) suggest a feature >20m in diameter with steepish sides and a depth of less than 6m (see Section 4.12).

4.6 Anomalies 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A – landscape profile

These features were 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 file 1).

Results

A continuous ERT line was acquired through features 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A with an electrode spacing of 3m. Penetration to at least 15m was achieved with resistivity variation of between 20 and 300ohm.m (Figs 4.8–4.11). Each of the target locations shows a consistent pattern of reduced resistivity compared to surrounding geology. Features 2A and 5A provided the largest anomalous zones with cross-sectional distance of over 20m for each, suggesting either pits of this diameter or that their sides had been eroded or modified into more gentle slopes. Their depths are suggested to be approximately 8–10m. Features 3A and 4A had smaller diameters with steeper sides and depths of less than 6m.

4.7 Anomaly 7A

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 file 1).

Results

The results for ERT survey over 7A using a Terrameter with an electrode spacing of 0.5m and 1m are shown in Figure 4.12. The orientation of the lines was in an east–west direction across the centre of the pit. The resistivity varies across the site between 20 and 300ohm.m with the pit anomaly marked by a decrease in resistivity compared to the surrounding area. Figure 4.13 shows how the 2D ERT vertical profile complements the landscape-wide magnetometer survey of 2013 at 7A.

Figures

Figure 4-1
Figure 4.1: ERT profile across 13D (1m electrode spacing) – a low-resistivity signal located centrally within the profile coincides with the location of 13D. The bottom of the anomaly appears to be at a depth of 4–5m. Colour legend: high resistivity (dark red), low resistivity (dark blue)
Figure 4-2
Figure 4.2: ERT profile (3m electrode spacing with topography) across 16D. Low-resistivity measurements coincide with the target feature. Colour legend: high resistivity (dark red), low resistivity (dark blue)
Figure 4-3
Figure 4.3: Vertical ERT profile (3m electrode spacing with topography) across the dry valley and through 16D visualised at landscape scale. Colour legend: high resistivity (dark red), low resistivity (dark blue)
Figure 4-4
Figure 4.4: Landscape visualisation – the vertical ERT (resistivity) profile across the dry valley through 16D overlaid with the horizontal EM (conductivity) area survey results from 16D. Colour legends: high resistivity (dark red), low resistivity (dark blue); high conductivity (white/pink), low conductivity (orange/brown)
Figure 4-5
Figure 4.5: ERT profile across 1A (1m electrode spacing, north–south) – a low-resistivity signal located centrally within the profile coincides with the location of 1A. The bottom of the anomaly appears to be at a depth of <5m. Colour legend: high resistivity (dark red), low resistivity (dark blue)
Figure 4-6
Figure 4.6: ERT profile (1m electrode spacing with topography) across 2A. Low-resistivity measurements coincide with the target feature. Colour legend: high resistivity (brown), low resistivity (blue)
Figure 4-7
Figure 4.7: Long-line ERT profile (3m electrode spacing with topography) across 5A, 4A, 3A and 2A with close-up of 3A. Low resistivity measurements coincide with the target features. Colour legend: high resistivity (dark red), low resistivity (dark blue)
Figure 4-8
Figure 4.8: Long-line ERT profile (3m electrode spacing with topography) from 2A to 5A through 3A and 4A (right to left). Low-resistivity measurements coincide with the target features. Colour legend: high resistivity (dark red), low resistivity (dark blue)
Figure 4-9
Figure 4.9: Long-line ERT profile (3m electrode spacing with topography) from 2A to 5A through 3A and 4A (left to right) with 2013 magnetometer survey overlay (courtesy LBI ArchPro, see Gaffney et al. 2020, supplementary data file 1). Low resistivity measurements coincide with the target features. Colour legend: high resistivity (dark red), low resistivity (dark blue). Greyscale legend: magnetometer – positive (black), negative (white)
Figure 4-10
Figure 4.10: Long-line ERT profile (3m electrode spacing with topography) through 2A–5A with close-up of 4A depicting a low-resistivity feature similar in dimensions to 3A with depths of less than 6m. In contrast, 5A and 2A have a larger overall dimension suggesting wider or more eroded features with depths of c.8–10m. Colour legend: high resistivity (dark red), low resistivity (dark blue)
Figure 4-11
Figure 4.11: ERT profiles over 5A – 1m electrode spacing (upper profile), 2m electrode spacing (lower profile); both profiles describe a low-resistivity feature modified or eroded to a width of c.20m diameter and c.8–10m deep. Colour legend: high resistivity (dark red), low resistivity (dark blue)
Figure 4-12
Figure 4.12: ERT profiles over 7A – 0.5m electrode spacing (upper profile), 1m electrode spacing (lower profile). Low-resistivity measurements coincide with the target feature. Colour legend: high resistivity (dark red), low resistivity (dark blue)
Figure 4-13
Figure 4.13: Complementary data – ERT profile from 7A (1m electrode spacing) visualised in landscape setting with 2013 magnetometer survey overlay (courtesy LBI ArchPro, see Gaffney et al. 2020, supplementary data file 1). Colour legend: high resistivity (dark red), low resistivity (dark blue). Greyscale legend: magnetometer – positive (black), negative (white)
Figure 4-14
Figure 4.14: Location of the 16 confirmed pit-features in relation to long-line ERT transects undertaken in 2021. Lidar derived digital surface model (shaded) with OS 10K overlay © Environment Agency copyright and database right 2024. All rights reserved. Lidar (composite sources) DTM 1m resolution, Scale 1:4000 with gaps filled by DTM 2m resolution, Scale 1:8000 – Ordnance Survey (100025252)/EDINA supplied Service. http://digimap.edina.ac.uk

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