Re-interpretation of Geophysical Data for the Archaeological Hill “Malta” at Duhok City – Iraqi Kurdistan Region

Fadhil A. Ghaib and Sirwa Q. Gardi

Dep. of Geology, College of Science, Salahaddin University

Abstract:

Two geophysical methods (gravity and resistivity) are used to investigate the Malta archaeological

hill in Duhok City-Iraqi Kurdistan Region. 200 gravity observation points were occupied covering

the southern half of the flat-top of the hill. Precise Bouguer anomaly map and its regional, residual

and Second Vertical Derivative anomalies are constructed to show the anomalous remains. High

precision altitudes and accurate positioning of the stations guaranteed reasonable reductions. Beside gravity,

six resistivity traverses are executed along selected directions. A total of 84 Vertical Electrical Sounding

resistivity measurements along traverses were taken to show variations with depth. A final model of the

subsurface was derived by the integration of both geophysical approaches. The two geophysical methods

revealed the presence of wall remains distributed in a systematic manner under the surface. Their

depth ranges from 0.5m to 1.5m. They are mostly built of limestone rocks of high resistivity and

positive gravity anomalies.

Keywords: Archeo-geophysics; Malta Hill; Duhok City; Iraqi Kurdistan

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