Akkerman Survey Report 2008                                                                                                                                                                                             
Akkerman Survey Report 2008            Alexander Turner                            

Abstract
Following the successful deployment of electrical resistance survey in 2007 the geophysical surveys team continued in 2008 with two further prospection techniques, gradiometry and ground penetrating radar (GPR). The application of the two geophysical survey methodologies, in addition to the resistivity of 2007, would, it was hoped, provide a more holistic approach to the investigation of the sub-surface remains at Akkerman. Gradiometry was used over a total area of 0.8ha within both the Garrison Yard and the Civil Yards. A number of ephemeral rectilinear anomalies could be observed along the base of the northwest section of the Civil Yard and the buildings, revealed during the 2007 resistivity survey, were also evident. Two circular anomalies in the north-western sector of the Civil Yard, probably representing well cappings, were also detected. Only further intrusive physical investigation would reveal whether these belong to antiquity or are reminders of a much more recent past. Several areas of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey were also undertaken both within the Civil Yard and outside the walls within the immediate environs of the fortress. Survey within the southwest corner of the Civil Yard confirmed the features revealed on the gradiometry and clearly demonstrated the artificial changes in level within the fortress. The survey of the area outside the fortress to the north of the Storeyed Tower revealed a palimpsest of features many of which are probably associated with the modern sewage and gas systems. A circular anomaly on the GPR to the south of the Wooden Tower, may hint at Greek activity beyond the area visible today. The application of these survey methods has gone some way towards a truly holistic cross-disciplinary application of research methodology but further retrogressive investigation of the cartographic evidence and its integration with an accurate combined GPS and Total Station survey of the fortress would enable greater value to be derived from the collected data.                                        
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