GPR investigation of remains of pile dwellings in Lake Zurich

Abstract

Remains of pile dwellings are present in many lakes around the Alps, particularly north of the Alps in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Those remains originating from 5000–1000 B.C. are listed as UNESCO World Heritage because of their historical and cultural importance and thus, deserve protection. On the known pile dwelling site of Freienbach-Hurden/Seefeld in Lake Zurich near Rapperswil, Switzerland several investigations were carried out to map and characterize the cultural layers. Amongst other inspections a GPR survey was carried out. Data were acquired in shallow water with a boat, processed and interpreted with the help of drilling information. The final results was a 3-D model of cultural layers which can now be used for the planning of protective measures.