Magnetic effect on shallow archaeological study at sungai batu, lembah bujang, kedah (Malaysia)

Magnetometers have been used for many years for locating and planning archaeological sites. An archaeological magnetic survey was conducted in Sungai Batu, Lembah Bujang, Kedah (Malaysia). The previous magnetic results were used for continuation of further study in Lembah Bujang. The results were obtained from excavation artifacts samples. The magnetic survey was performed using G-856 proton magnetometer and the spacing between stations for excavation area was 1 m to 2 m gridding while for further study was 20 m. The magnetic data was processed by utilizing Microsoft excels and Surfer8 software which was displayed in a form of contouring and revealed high residual zones causing the magnetic anomalies. The results of high magnetic values (30-180 nT) indicated a distribution of the anomaly features within the study area. These anomaly features are detected according to the magnetic contrast (baked clay bricks) and the surrounding, mainly sandy clay. The results of low magnetic values (-400nT to -280nT) indicated the existed of ancient river within study area. The magnetic survey was successfully applied in determining the extent of the site, in delimiting zones rich in structures and artifacts, and in confirming the presence of an ancient river. That could be the earliest known in the region.