Experience of electrical survey of the Bronze Age Zvyagino-4 settlement site (Southern Trans-Urals)

The paper presents the findings of electrical survey of Zvyagino-4 unfortified settlement of the Alakul culture (1700s–1600s BC). The settlement is found in the forest-steppe part of the Southern Trans-Urals. The study uses total station survey, digital surface modelling and electromagnetic profiling (with AEMP-14 electromagnetic frequency sensing equipment) and investigates the territory of the Bronze Age site. The most significant findings were identified for the common-mode component. They suggest that the upper levels reveal contours of a site of a complex geometric shape. According to the total data, this site can be associated with the localization of the cultural layer, the ashfield and the place of construction of Bronze Age buildings. The experience of electrical survey at the Alakul culture unfortified settlement Zvyagino-4 allows a hypothetical reconstruction of the Bronze Age settlement planning. It is assumed there were 5 buildings arranged in two parallel rows. The study clarifies boundaries and area of the settlement buildings (1700 sq.m.). It is noteworthy that the problem of delimitation of the area of the buildings and the area of the developed space has not yet been raised in the light of the materials of unfortified settlements. Despite the insufficient interpretation methodology the electrical survey method we use for archaeological sites can be considered successful.