Investigation of the cultural layer from the Ushki I Paleolithic site using electrical resistivity tomography

The article provides geophysical studies using the electrical resistivity tomography method conducted during the 2024field season at the stratified Paleolithic site Ushki I in Central Kamchatka. This method is based on measuring the electrical resistivity. It was applied at the site to determine the thickness of loose deposits, identify anthropogenic anomalies, and assess promising areas for future excavations. In previous years, during the research at the site, two different Upper Paleolithic settlements belonging to two different cultures were identified. In 2024, two areas, 142.5 and 129 sq. m, were investigated within the boundaries of the 1984 and 1986 excavations, where the Holocene deposits had been removed earlier, and cultural layer VI containing the remains of dwellings and burials was examined in detail; however, underlying layer VII was left unexcavated. The obtained geophysical profiles crossed the boundaries of these previously investigated sites. The survey results established the thickness of loose deposits of 2-2.5 m. In the upper part of the geoelectric section, low resistivity lenses (40-80 Ohmm) were identified, corresponding to loam layers. At a depth of 0.4 m, an isometric anomaly measuring 1 x 0.7 x 0.1 m with the resistivity of30-50 Ohmm was discovered, which was interpreted as a carbonaceous interlayer likely associated with a hearth from cultural layer VII. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of non-invasive geophysical methods for identifying new anthropogenic features at the Ushki I site and confirm its prospects for further archaeological investigation.