Geophysics
Geophysics
Project 1: Hawara Pyramid
Hawara is an ancient cemetery site in the south-eastern Fayum region, about 80km south of Cairo. It is the burial place of Amenemhat III, the last great king of the 12th dynasty (about 1855- 1808 BC). To the south of the pyramid the Pharaoh constructed a large cult complex (approximately 120 metres by 300 metres), in which the Pharaoh was worshipped as a god for over 1500 years. The huge mortuary temple that originally stood adjacent to this pyramid is believed to have formed the basis of the complex of buildings with galleries and courtyards called a "labyrinth" by Herodotus. In Late Antiquity, the complex was considered as one of the wonders of the world. Despite its historical significance, there have never been clear drawings or details of the labyrinth layout or structure.
The Fayoum oasis region is 100km southwest of Cairo in middle Egypt
The City of Fayoum sits at the heart of the oasis, just east of centre.
The Pyramid of Hawara sits to the east of the City of Fayoum on the edge of the oasis. The site is known as the Hawara.
Three geophysical techniques to map the sub-surface water distribution and the rock units at Hawara area were applied. Those geophysical techniques are:
1. Vertical electrical Sounding “VES”.
2. Time domain electromagnetic “TEM”.
3. Electrical Resistivity Tomography “ERT”.
The VES, TEM and ERT surveys facilitated the outlining of the water level at the site of Hawara.