Archaeological magnetic survey to find salt production sites, using located Euler deconvolution: An application in Onchon County, Nampho, DPRK

Abstract

AbstractWe present the results of archaeological magnetic surveys in Onchon County, Nampho, DPRK. At Wonup Workers’ district in Onchon County, there are tens of heaps containing ash piles, which are seen as sites associated with salt production. The goal of the magnetic surveys was to investigate the relationships between the brine pan sites and the heaps containing ash piles within the study area. The archaeological and magnetic investigations in the study area has revealed that such areas, corresponding to the high magnetic intensity occurrence on the thick ash piles near the brine pits and ditches, could be chosen as the detailed survey areas to find salt production sites. Interpretation of the results demonstrated the reliability of located Euler deconvolution in the presence of complex magnetization effects due to various archaeological remains such as brine pan sites, kilns and potteries. The data processing and interpretation techniques presented in this article could assist in further opportunities to undertake nondestructive investigations of brine pan sites in Wonup area.