THE EFFECTS OF IRON DEGRADATION ON ELECTROMAGNETIC GEOPHYSICAL SIGNATURES AND DETECTABILITY OF CORRODED IRON PRODUCTS

We propose a comprehensive investigation concerning how corrosion affects the electromagnetic signature of iron objects, in consideration of the volume and variety of iron used in various societies through time. Using electrolysis, iron rebar, wrought iron, and cast iron, pieces of known composition were oxidized at differing time intervals. Corrosion products were then analyzed using x-ray diffraction. The degraded iron was analyzed in a field setting with the EM63 Electromagnetic System and a magnetometer in order to determine the level of detectability, and therefore on the change of different levels of degradation on the electromagnetic signature. We present these findings with the intention of discussing their implications in historical and classical archaeology, as well as the field of electromagnetic geophysics.