Results of geophysical research at the Surungur site (South Kyrgyzstan)

The Surungur grotto is a new and promising archaeological site presumably belonging to the Final Pleistocene - Early Holocene, located in the southern part of the Ferghana Valley (Kyrgyzstan). The site was discovered in 2017 and was studied in the field seasons of 2018-2019 by the Central Asian Paleolithic Unit from the IAE SB RAS and the Jusup Balasagyn Kyrgyz National University. Archaeological works at the site were preceded by geophysical research using electrical resistivity tomography and magnetometry. A geoelectric model of a part of the site (volumetric resistivity distribution) and map of magnetic anomalies above the surface (distribution of anomalous values of the module of magnetic induction vector) were obtained. Analysis and interpretation of the data obtained resulted in establishing the main structural features and composition of deposits at the site. The thickness of lithological layers and shape of the rock base, as well as a number of promising areas for archaeological research have been identified. Test pit was made at one of these areas, and a cascade of hearths, which was the source of positive anomaly in the magnetic induction vector module (10-15 nT) has been identified. In addition, the data of electrical resistivity tomography revealed two local anomalies of low resistivity (10-20 Ohmm against the background of 100 Ohmm), probably associated with the earlier archaeological test pits of the mid 20th century. The signs of post-depositional disturbance were found in the upper part of the section under study. The lower part occurred in undisturbed state and therefore this area is promising for local archaeological excavations. This study is important due to the lack of stratigraphic sites of the Mesolithic-Neolithic in the region.