Speaker
Description
Large archaeological heritage sites are important carriers of human cultural heritage, and the structural integrity of these sites is crucial for their long-term preservation. However, prolonged exposure to natural processes and human activities often leads to structural deterioration within such sites. Among various environmental factors, rainfall-induced erosion and water infiltration play a key role in affecting structural stability. Due to the large scale, immovability, and structural complexity of archaeological heritage sites, conventional inspection techniques are often difficult to apply for effective non-destructive investigation. Muography, a non-destructive imaging technique based on cosmic-ray muons, provides a promising solution for probing the internal structure of large-scale objects.
In this study, muon imaging was applied to investigate the overlying strata above Caves 7–10 of the Yungang Grottoes, one of the four major grotto complexes in China and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Using muon tomography, the density distribution of the geological layers above the caves was reconstructed, and a detailed structural reconstruction of Cave 8 was achieved. The results reveal several low-density anomalies above the grottoes, including a low-density structure associated with the historical Yungang city wall and restoration-related remains located above Caves 7–8.
In addition, long-term observations were conducted during the rainy season to explore the feasibility of dynamic monitoring of water infiltration using muon imaging. The results show no evidence of significant infiltration channels above the caves, confirming the effectiveness of previous seepage control measures. By combining experimental data with simulations, the sensitivity of the imaging system under different infiltration scenarios was systematically investigated.
The results demonstrate that muography is an effective non-destructive technique for investigating the internal structure of large-scale cultural heritage sites and has strong potential for long-term monitoring of hydrological processes. This study provides a new technical approach for internal structural investigation and seepage monitoring in large archaeological heritage sites, offering important support for the scientific conservation and risk assessment of cultural heritage.