GPR applied to map Jabuticabeira-II coastal sambaqui archaeological site (Brazil)

In this work, some GPR results obtained in Jabuticabeira-II coastal sambaqui archaeological site, located in Jaguaruna region, Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil, are presented. Sambaqui is a word in Guarani (Native South American language) that means: Tamba - shells, and Qui - conic mound, or shell mound. GPR profiles present interesting anomalous reflectors most likely related to archaeological interest targets. GPR depth slices exhibit anomalies with high amplitude probably related to point reflectors. In order to give greater reliability for real result interpretations, 2D FDTD numerical modelling was accomplished, and it shows good agreement with real data obtained in the field. Then, real and synthetic results results as reference guide to archaeological excavation activities. Archaeologist from Universidade de Sao Paulo excavated Jabuticabeira-II site after GPR results analysis. Horizontal reflectors were related to sambaqui structure, and its bottom, characterized by rich archaeological layers as well as water table level. Anomaly typified by hyperbolic reflection pattern was associated with a concentration of carbonatic shells, from 3160 to 2850 cal yBP. GPR results were very important for archaeological research in development allowing adjusting excavation, and guarantee this research success.