FDTD Simulations for Ground Penetrating Radar to Improve Efficiency of Archaeological Investigation

Abstract

In archaeological investigation, the accuracy and resolution of data's non-destructive geophysical techniques are vital parameters for excavation decision. Therefore, the integrity use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) data sets and numerical modeling is necessary to improve uncertainty of archaeological ruins. The aim of this work is to evaluate the applicability and effectiveness of GPR numerical modeling in hidden archaeological features analysis in Kom Ombo temple which is considered one of the most famous Greek-Roman archaeological sites in southern Egypt. Fifty-five ground penetrating radar profiles were revealed some locations of possible hidden features in the temple using 270 and 80 MHz antennas. Then Standard processing techniques like 1D, 2D filters and attributes were employed. Two distinctive anomalies (deep and shallow) were recognized on the processed 2D GPR sections that could be related to hidden archaeological features. Most of these archaeological features might have complex geometries, so to overcome the challenges case, four synthetic models were developed that have same electrical properties and differ in buried body's geometry to assess the GPR response. Convolution perfectly matched layer (CPML) absorbing media, which was developed for wave absorption at the modeling grid and termination FDTD lattice, and a traverse magnetic (TM) mode formulation were employed. According to the findings, the deep anomaly could be a tunnel or significant geological feature, while the shallow anomaly is an extension of the Turkish fort. Predominantly, numerical modeling technique is enhanced mapping tool for the hidden archaeological feature in any area over the world that cannot be excavated by digging.

Keywords: GPR, Kom Ombo temple, FDTD modeling, CPML