University of Akron Geophysical Survey in the Cuyahoga River Valley

Linda Whitman and Timothy Matney
University of Akron

This paper presents results of magnetic gradiometry and electrical resistance surveys at six archaeological sites within or immediately adjacent to the Cuyahoga River valley in northeastern Ohio. Two of these sites are historic dating from the 19 and early 20 centuries; one is a prehistoric (Hopewell) burial mound; three are prehistoric occupation sites (Whittlesey, Hopewell, Late Woodland). After describing the methods and results from each survey, we assess the usefulness and limitations of these geophysical techniques for conducting archaeological research into the prehistoric and historic periods, as well as our experiences in teaching archaeological geophysics in northeastern Ohio.