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Geophysical Survey / Cave of the Column - Qumran Budget & Costs Breakdown - May 2007by Professor Jones Learn how each of the ten plagues was specifically aimed at the gods of Egypt. |
In the past, Vendyl Jones Research Institutes (VJRI) has secured permission from the Israel Antiquity Authority (IAA) to conduct archaeological excavations at the Cave of the Column. However, our site is now under the purview of the Society for the Preservation of Nature of Israel (SPNI). Both authorities regulate for vastly different reasons. The IAA issues a permit based on signs of ancient cultural activity while the SPNI must be convinced any potential find will promote the preservation of the site for posterity in the form of historical parks and visitor centers.
At the end of our 1998 dig we were able to introduce a technology known as ERM, that allowed us to take subterranean readings of the site beneath our dig. Those readings revealed what appeared to be large cavity. There is a large chamber referenced in the Copper Scroll. Since 1998, the aforementioned technology has become more sensitive and sophisticated. We propose to use this technology to determine the exact nature of the cavity.
To that end VJRI will initiate a non-destructive subsurface exploration of the Cave of the Column site with a consortium of academic and geophysical professionals whose specialties are Electrical Resistivity Method (ERM) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR.) The latter will be utilized in two forms: a standard above ground survey and bore-hole cross-illumination. These technologies represent the latest and most sophisticated means of subsurface investigation of a site.
ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY METHOD
This methodology investigates variations of electrical resistance (or conductivity, the inverse) by sending an electrical current through the ground via probes. The variables are porosity of the ground, the electrical properties of the minerals and moisture. This latter variable makes it necessary to transport a water tank to the site due to the extreme arid nature of the region.
GROUND PENETRATING RADAR
Just as the name implies, this technique employs radio waves which bounce off of objects. In this case, the travel time of the waves as they pass through the ground is measured and that data determines the location of objects, thick soil and rock deposits or the lack of those, which would then read as a cavity. In tandem with this method GPR also uses special antennae lowered into bore holes for “cross illumination”. We propose to drill several holes around the suspected cavity and dropping an antenna in each hole. One instrument would transmit a signal, the other would receive. As this process is repeated in additional holes, an almost three-dimensional view of the chamber would be processed.
SUMMARY
We propose to use the above methods to precisely pinpoint and delineate the exact boundaries as well as the very character of the large hidden chamber, revealing the most efficient passage to that chamber. This determination would also provide the impetus to secure a dig license from the IAA and a release from the SPNI to follow up with a full-scale archaeological investigation. These scientific techniques are field tested geophysical methodologies which are recognized throughout the world. The time and cost estimates are itemized below:
ERM SURVEY PROJECT – Est. Twelve Days
Archaeological Engineering Services
Netanya, Israel
Project Surpervisor – Doron Lipkunksy
Performance of RIS Profiles using multi electrode system
(1) Geophysicist, (1) technician………………...………………………$ 14,400.00
Rn Detectors, Performance RnS profiles………………………………. 7,500.00
Field analysis…….......……………………….………… …………………… .8,500.00
VRML – 3D Virtual Model of site………….……………………………. 4,500.00
Water tank ($600 per day) x twelve days………………………… ……..7,200.00
Insurance………………………………....……………………...……………….1,496.00
Room / Full Board
Tech Leader & three assists (4 x $60 x 12 days).............................…2,880.00
Subtotal………….$ 46,476.00
+ 17% V.A.T. 7,900.92
Ground Penetrating Radar - Six Days
Technion Research and Development Foundation
Haifa, Israel
Project Supervisor – Lev Kofman
GPR Field Survey ($1200 a day x 6 days).........................…………….....$7,200.00
Tech + three assistants ($200 a day x four x 6 days)…...........…………...4,800.00
HDD Directional Boring, Salomon Drilling Co.
(three workers)…………………………………………………............…………..6,300.00
Room / Full Board for GPR & Drilling Team (7 x $60 x 6 days)……….2,520.00
Site Restoration (required by SPNI)
Restoration Mgr – Natan Mor…$75 a day x 14 ……………………….…1,050.00
Salim plus five workers x $50 a day x 14 days.....................................4,200.00
Subtotal………$ 26,070.00
+ 17% V.A.T……….. 4,431.19
$ 30,501.19
Total – ERM - $ 54,376.92
Total – GPR - $ 30,501.19
Grand Total - $ 84,878.11
(NOTE: These estimates were give in 2007. We anticipate that current costs would be much higher! )