First results of electrotomography at the Domashnee ozero site in Central Kamchatka

This article presents results of geophysical research using electrical resistivity tomography in 2023 at the Domashnee Ozero site which is one of the most important Neolithic archaeological sites in the Kamchatka River valley. Electrotomography was done in parallel with archaeological works, making it possible to clarify the stratigraphy, and cultural and chronological sequence at the site. The geophysical survey was aimed at establishing the thickness of loose sediments and identifying geoelectric features caused by ancient human activities. In addition, it also intended to evaluate effectiveness of electrotomography in the area, and it was done at the site for the first time. Two profiles orthogonal to each other were scanned. The distances between electrodes were 0.2 m and 0.5 m so the section could be examined at 1 m and 4 m respectively. Two-dimensional geoelectric sections were interpreted using the data on the stratigraphy of the site. Lenses of high resistivity (800-1800 Ohm-m) on the geoelectric section corresponded to sand-clay layers with Shiveluch tephra. It was suggested that there could be a correlation between reduced electrical resistivity (up to 90-100 Ohm-m) and anthropogenic charcoal in the sediments. The thickness of loose sediments was determined to be 2.5-3 m on the basis ofprobe results. The geophysical survey has shown usefulness of electrotomography at the Domashnee Ozero site, but a more qualitative interpretation requires additional data on the material composition of the sediments and study of their electrical properties in a laboratory. The geophysical results will be used for planning further archaeological works at the site.