Research on the internal investigation of ancient burial mounds using myography

2024 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K12589
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 90020:Library and information science, humanistic and social informatics-related
• Research Institution: Kansai University
• Principal Investigator: Hayashi Takefumi 関西大学, 総合情報学部, 教授 (90268326)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 井浦 崇 関西大学, 総合情報学部, 教授 (90554519) ; 長谷 海平 関西大学, 総合情報学部, 准教授 (20633895) ; 一色 正晴 愛媛大学, 理工学研究科(工学系), 講師 (30583687)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2025-03-31
• Keywords: ミュオグラフィ / ミュオン / 埋蔵文化財 / 非破壊調査 / 古墳 / 透視技術 / アウトリーチ活動

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study explored the potential of using Muography, a visualization technique that employs muons, elementary particles contained in cosmic rays, for the non-destructive and non-invasive investigation of buried cultural heritage. Long-term measurements were conducted at two locations on the rear circular portion of the Tsukuriyama Kofun, a large, unexcavated keyhole-shaped burial mound in Okayama City, and muon transmission images were obtained. A comparison with simulation data revealed internal structural inconsistencies in areas presumed to contain a stone chamber, suggesting the possibility of its existence. The research findings were disseminated to the public through local newsletters and exhibitions.

Free Research Field

情報工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、ミュオンを用いた透視技術「ミュオグラフィ」により、未発掘の古墳の内部構造を非破壊・非侵襲で推定できる可能性を示した点で学術的に意義がある。従来の考古学的手法では困難であった埋蔵文化財の内部調査に新たな選択肢を提供し、文化財の保存と研究の両立に貢献する。また、地域社会への成果発信を通じて文化財への理解と関心を高める社会的意義も有する。