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Earthwork
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Earthworks can take the form of banks, ditches and mounds. They are usually created for a specific purpose. A bank, for example, might be the remains of a boundary between two or more fields. Some earthworks may be all that remains of a collapsed building, for example, the grassed-over remains of building foundations.
In the winter, when the sun is lower in the sky than during the other seasons, earthworks have larger shadows. From the air, archaeologists are able to see the patterns of the earthworks more easily. Earthworks can sometimes be confusing when viewed at ground level, but from above, the general plan is much clearer.
Archaeologists often carry out an aerial survey or an earthwork survey to help them understand the lumps and bumps they can see on the ground.
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Aerial Photograph
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Aerial photographs are taken during an aerial survey, which involves looking at the ground from above. It is usually easier to see cropmarks and earthworks when they are viewed from above. Aerial photographs help archaeologists to record what they see and to identify new sites. There are two kinds of aerial photographs; oblique and vertical.
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Modern
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The Modern Period, about 1915 AD to the present (the 20th and 21st centuries AD)
In recent years archaeologists have realised the importance of recording modern sites. They do this so that in the future people will be able to look at the remains to help them understand the events to which they are related. more ->
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modern
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About 1915 AD to the present (the 20th and 21st centuries AD)
In recent years archaeologists have realised the importance of recording modern sites. They do this so that in the future people will be able to look at the remains to help them understand the events to which they are related. more ->
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ROCKET TEST FACILITY *
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An area for the testing of rockets and guided missiles. Includes all structures associated with both the firing and testing of rockets and missiles.
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GANTRY *
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A framework, often made of steel, supporting a crane or similar structure, or for supporting a platform or stage.
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HOUSE *
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A building for human habitation, especially a dwelling place. Use more specific type where known.
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SITE *
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Unclassifiable site with minimal information. Specify site type wherever possible.
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CONTROL ROOM *
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A room or building housing the controls to a mechanized system, eg. in a power station, airport, etc.
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POND *
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A body of still water often artificially formed for a specific purpose. Use specifc type where known.
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BUSINESS PARK *
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An area speciallly developed to accommodate commercial buildings.
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DRAIN *
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An artificial channel for draining water or carrying it off.
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EMBANKMENT *
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A long ridge of earth, rocks or gravel primarily constructed to carry a roadway.
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CELL *
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A monastic enclave dependent on a mother house.
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WORKSHOP *
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A building or room used for small scale manufacture. Use more specific term where possible.
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WATER PIPE *
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A pipe through which water is conducted.
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SOAKAWAY *
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A pit filled with rubble, etc., into which rain or waste water flows in order to disperse into the surrounding soil.
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DITCH *
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A long and narrow hollow or trench dug in the ground, often used to carry water though it may be dry for much of the year.
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ROCKET *
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A missile or aircraft that obtain its thrust from a rocket engine. Some rockets will exist as monuments for example, in the form of gate guardians. Double index with the monument type where appropriate.
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PUMP HOUSE *
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A small pumping station.
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AIRFIELD *
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An area or site used for the landing and take-off of aircraft, often including associated buildings, equipment and other installations.
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GATE *
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A movable stucture which enables or prevents entrance to be gained. Usually situated in a wall or similar barrier and supported by gate posts.
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BLAST WALL *
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A reinforced wall designed to reflect the blast from an explosion. Often found associated with powder magazines, pillboxes and air raid shelters.
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TANK *
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Armoured military vehicle with its own firepower, which operates on tracks for troop mobility over rough terrain. Some may be adapted, or purpose-built, to be amphibious, and may then be double-indexed as AMPHIBIOUS VEHICLE.
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FIRING PLATFORM *
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An area of a site or building providing a stable base for the firing of artillery pieces.
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EARTHWORK *
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A bank or mound of earth used as a rampart or fortification.
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* Copyright of English Heritage (1999)