Diagnostics of cult sites through geophysical methods in the Baraba forest-steppe region

The paper summarizes the ten-year experience of joint archaeological and geophysical research aimed at locating, identifying and describing particular features of cult sites. Geophysical research of unique archaeological sites in Novosibirsk province was conducted in two priority directions-magnetometry (through G-858 gradiemeter) and electromagnetic frequency sounding (through EMS device). With the help of the portable susceptimeter MP-01 the magnetic susceptibility of the ground and soils were measured. Through geophysical monitoring remains of cult pits at soil burial yards of Chicha-1 and Preobrazhenka-6 have been identified. A new Bronze Age cult site that has no relief features detectable on the surface has been discovered at Preobrazhenka-6. Analysis of the interrelationships between intensiveness of magnetic parameters and the properties of filling in cult pits and tombs has been carried out. Subsequent archaeological excavations supported the obtained magnetometric data. Magnetometric survey and electromagnetic frequency sounding of Preobrazhenka-6 site have made it possible to correlate the relief remains of ancient circular construction detectable on the surface with the settlement site that was located on the ploughed field.