Posted 10 a.m. Monday, May 5, 2014
GPR Training
The UW-L Archaeological Studies Program recently obtained state-of-the-art geophysical equipment that can be used for 'seeing' underground prior to ground disturbance and archaeological excavation. MVAC Research Associates Dave Anderson and Jessi Halligan were instrumental in preparing the successful grant proposal which was fully funded by the College of Liberal Studies. This equipment, which includes a ground penetrating radar unit (GPR), a resistivity meter, and a magnetometer, along with compatible survey equipment, adds to the already impressive arsenal of equipment that MVAC and the Archaeological Studies program uses for training students and conducting research. Archaeology faculty, staff and students received training on the GPR unit on May 2nd. A representative from the GPR manufacturer guided staff members through basic survey methods at Campbell Cemetery in north La Crosse. The cemetery was established in 1863, and veterans from the Civil War, War of 1812, and World War I are buried there. The cemetery contains a number of unmarked graves that Archaeology faculty and students will try to locate during a geophysical survey for the City of La Crosse, using the newly acquired equipment.