First experience of using geophysical methods for studying archaeological sites in the Mariinsk forest-steppe

The article discusses the results of first magnetometric studies at the archaeological sites on the right bank of the Kiya River in the Mariinsk forest-steppe (Kemerovo Region - Kuzbass). The settlements of Sokolinoe Gnezdo (Archekas locality, Mariinsk District) and Shestakovo II (Shestakovo archaeological complex, village of Shestakovo, Chebulinsky District) were investigated. Archaeological and geophysical studies were aimed at evaluating planigraphy of the sites without distinctive features of terrain using remote methods, testing the geophysical conclusions by excavations, and identifying opportunities for using magnetic survey in local landscape and soil conditions of the Mariinsk forest-steppe. Magnetic mapping was carried out by vertical gradiometer survey using a G-858G magnetometer-gradiometer. For correct interpretation of data, measurements of magnetic susceptibility of soils and underlying rocks were conducted at the sites. The magnetic anomalies detected at the Sokolinoe Gnezdo settlement were comparable to archaeological objects. Three objects researched by excavations were the remains of open hearths. Their cultural and chronological attribution in the structure of the settlement was complicated by the lack of dating finds. The settlement was dated to the Late Bronze Age and transitional period to the Early Iron Age. The concentration of hearths and absence of typical cultural layer of the settlement may point to non-residential nature of the site. Multidirectional linear structures have been revealed by magnetic survey along with individual negative and positive anomalies at the Shestakovo II settlement (Tagar-Tashtyk period, 1st century BC - 6th century AD). Through the excavations of a section of the one of these structures, a ditch in light-brown clay loam reaching the depth of 0.4 m was found. Since the filling of the ditch did not contain any finds, its interpretation as archaeological object is still premature. Testing another anomaly by excavation has revealed the presence of two open hearths from one of the periods of settlement functioning.