FINAL REPORT

GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION
C. LEON KING HIGH SCHOOL
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA

Prepared for Sam J. Horton Instructional Services Center

Tampa, FL

Prepared by GeoView, Inc.

St. Petersburg, FL
 November 20, 2019

Mr. Corries C.C. Culpepper

Sam J. Horton Instructional Services Center
2920 N. 40th Street
Tampa, FL 33605

Subject: Transmittal of Final Report for Geophysical Investigation

C. Leon King High School – Hillsborough County, Florida
GeoView Project Number 30521

Dear Mr. Culpepper,

GeoView, Inc. (GeoView) is pleased to submit the final report that
summarizes and presents the results of the geophysical investigation performed at
the above referenced site. Ground penetrating radar was used to determine the
presence and locations of possible graves within designates areas of the school
property. GeoView appreciates the opportunity to have assisted you on this project.
If you have any questions or comments about the report, please contact us.
Sincerely,
GEOVIEW, INC.

Christopher Taylor, P.G.

Vice President
Florida Professional Geologist Number 2256

A Geophysical Services Company

4610 Central Avenue Tel.: (727) 209-2334

St. Petersburg, FL 33711 Fax: (727) 328-2477
 Page 1

1.0 Introduction

A geophysical investigation was conducted at the C. Leon King High School

located at 6815 N 56th Street in Tampa, Florida. It was reported by others that a
historic cemetery may be located at the property. The cemetery was reported to be
located in the south-central portion of the property (Area 1) or the northeast portion
of the property (Area 2). The locations of the two survey areas are shown on
Figure 1. The cemetery was reported to be up to 165 feet by 285 feet in size. No
gravestones or other visible burial markers were present within either survey area.
The purpose the investigation was to use geophysical methods to determine
the presence of unmarked graves within the survey areas. The investigation was
performed from October 23 to November 2, 2019.
2.0 Description of Geophysical Investigation Method
The geophysical investigation was conducted using ground penetrating radar
(GPR). The GPR survey was conducted along transects aligned south to north,
spaced two feet on center. The GPR transects were orientated to be perpendicular
to the long axis of graves with their typical east/west orientation. The GPR data
was collected along two-dimensional (2-D) parallel transects which were then
processed into a three-dimensional (3-D) depth slices to facilitate high-resolution
analysis of the GPR data. The locations of the GPR survey area and transect lines
are shown on Figure 1.
In areas of dense vegetation or other partially inaccessible areas in the animal
pens and near the greenhouse, the GPR data was conducted in a reconnaissance
mode rather than along set parallel transects. The locations of the lines collected in
reconnaissance mode are not shown on the figures. The survey was conducted
using a SIR 3000 GSSI radar system with a 400-megahertz (MHz) antenna. A time
range setting of 55 nanoseconds (ns) was used for the investigation. This setting
provided information to an estimated depth of 6 to 8 ft below ground surface (bgs).
A description of the GPR technique and the methods employed for
archaeological site characterization studies is provided in Appendix A2.2. A
discussion of the field methods used to generate the report Figure 1 is provided in
Appendix A2.1.
3.0 Survey Results
Analysis of the 2-D and 3-D GPR data showed the presence of multiple
suspected graves at the site. All the suspected graves were identified within the
southern area (Area 1). The possible gravesites were characterized on the 2-D data
by consistent parabolic reflections and an increase in amplitude of the GPR signal.
 Page 2

The graves were identified on the 3-D data by localized changes in amplitude of
the GPR signal across several adjacent transects. A total of 145 suspected graves
were identified. The suspected graves were located at depths of 3 to 5 feet bgs
(top). The locations of the suspected graves are indicated with magenta rectangles
on Figures 2 through 9. A red boundary line denoting the outer limits of the
suspected cemetery is shown on the figures.
Multiple additional parabolic reflections not suspected to be associated with
graves were encountered within both survey areas. These additional reflections
were determined to be associated with underground utilities, tree roots or other
isolated features. The suspected utilities and possible debris areas are indicated in
blue on the figures. The suspected tree roots are indicated in black on the figures.
Examples of the 2-D and 3-D GPR data across several suspected graves are
provided in Appendix 1. A discussion of the limitations of the GPR technique in
archaeological site characterization studies is provided in Appendix 2.3.
 A1-1

APPENDIX 1
FIGURES AND EXAMPLES OF GPR DATA
 A1-2
South North

Suspected Graves

Example of 2-D GPR Transect 129 Showing Sixteen Suspected Graves.

 A1-3

North

Suspected
Drainage Pipes

Example of 3-D GPR at Depth of 2.7 Feet

North

Suspected Graves

Example of 3-D GPR at Depth of 4.7 Feet

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APPENDIX 2
DESCRIPTION OF GEOPHYSICAL METHODS, SURVEY
METHODOLOGIES AND LIMITATIONS
A2.1 On Site Measurements
The measurements that were collected and used to create the site map were
made using a fiberglass measuring tape and a Trimble 7x CM GPS system. The
degree of accuracy of such an approach is typically sub-foot.

A2.2 Ground Penetrating Radar

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) consists of a set of integrated electronic
components which transmits low frequency electromagnetic waves into the ground
and records the energy reflected back to the ground surface. The GPR system
consists of an antenna, which serves as both a transmitter and receiver, and a
profiling recorder that both processes the incoming signal and provides a graphic
display of the data. The GPR data can be reviewed as both printed hard copy
output or recorded on the profiling recorder’s hard drive for later review. GeoView
uses GSSI and Mala GPR systems.
A GPR survey provides a graphic cross-sectional view of subsurface
conditions. This cross-sectional view is created from the reflections of repetitive
short-duration electromagnetic (EM) waves that are generated as the antenna is
pulled across the ground surface. The reflections occur at the subsurface contacts
between materials with differing electrical properties. The electrical property
contrast that causes the reflections is the dielectric permittivity that is directly
related to conductivity of a material. The GPR method is commonly used to
identify such targets as underground utilities, underground storage tanks or drums,
buried debris, voids, structural steel rebar or geological features.
The greater the electrical contrast between the surrounding materials (earth or
concrete) and target of interest, the greater the amplitude of the reflected return
signal. Unless the buried object is metal, only part of the signal energy will be
reflected back to the antenna with the remaining portion of the signal continuing to
propagate downward to be reflected by deeper features. If there is little or no
electrical contrast between the target interest and surrounding earth materials it will
be very difficult if not impossible to identify the object using GPR.
A GPR survey is conducted along survey lines (transects) which are
measured paths along which the GPR antenna is moved. A calibrated survey wheel
attached to the GPR unit records the linear distance travel of the GPR transect
which allows for a correlation between the GPR data and the position of the GPR
 A2-2

antenna conducted along the concrete surface.

Depth estimates to the top of a geologic feature (disturbed soils) or
archaeological gravesite artifact are determined by dividing the time of travel of
the GPR signal from the land surface to the top of the GPR signal reflection
associated with the feature by the velocity of the GPR signal. The velocity of the
GPR signal is usually obtained from published tables of the GPR signal traveling
through the surrounding soil medium. The accuracy of GPR-derived depths
typically ranges from 20 to 40 percent of the total depth.
The analysis and collection of GPR data is both a technical and interpretative
skill. The technical aspects of the work are learned from both training and
experience. Interpretative skills for archaeological site characterization studies are
developed by having the opportunity to compare GPR data collected in numerous
settings to the results from confirmatory studies performed at the same locations.

A2.3 Limitations of Ground Penetrating Radar

The ability of GPR to collect interpretable information at a project site is
limited by the attenuation (absorption) of the GPR signal within the subsurface
materials. Once the GPR signal has been attenuated at a particular depth,
information regarding deeper features will not be obtained.
GeoView can make no warranties or representations of the conditions that
may be present beyond the depth of investigation or resolving capability of the
geophysical equipment or in areas that were not accessible to the geophysical
investigation.