EM-VLF soundings on the eastern hill of the archaeological site of Selinunte

The electromagnetic VLF exploration technique, already employed in the search for mineral deposits, is used for geophysical investigations of the archaeological site on the eastern hill of Selinunte. Two areas, with a sue of 90x90 m and 40x40 m, arc detected. The application of the VLF method requires proper calibration and a careful study of the characteristics of the recorded signals. Planning the appropriate type of investigation, as well as interpretation for the results, needs preliminary information on the prevailing pattern of the structures and their inferred depth and composition. Although the studied area shows low signal levels, likely due to buried man-made artifacts, it is possible to highlight structures characterized by different conductivities at depths shallower than 4-5 m. In the 90x90m area, the results allow inferences mainly on subsoil structure. A variation of the depth of the calcarenitic bed and its fracturing process is observed. The lateral variations of ground conductivity are likely ascribed to the filling of fractures with material coming from the cover. In the 40x40 m area, besides small anomalies of geological character, significant perturbations, probably associated with buried buildings, are found.