Geophysical survey (GPR) in West Saqqara (Egypt) preliminary remarks

Geophysical investigations in West Saqqara area were part of the archaeological field work of the Polish Egyptian archaeological mission during the campaign in 2012. The main purpose of geophysical prospection using the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) was to deter mine the location of potential underground sepulchral structures. During the GPR survey, optimal depth penetration was achieved due to dry rocks and monolithic structure of the lime stone plateau on which the ancient cemetery was located. Using antenna of 100 MHz, the depth of penetration was up to 45 m and with antenna of 250 MHz, up to 15 meters. Three main groups of archaeological structures were identified: sarcophagi and mummies, burial shafts; mobile objects (solid rock blocks as fragments of tombs). One of the main goal of the GPR survey was to track the route of the western part of the Dry Moat, expressed by a wide and shallow depression spreading to -wards north-south. The results of geo physical investigations suggest that Saqqara plateau is an ideal site for using GPR surveying technology.