The second project was a joint proposal between Cordell Expeditions, Lawrence Livermore Laboratory,and the University of California. It involves infrared imaging of the surface, with sophisticated computer enhancement and processing of the images. A buried object such as a moai will retain heat differently from the surrounding soil, henkce appear warmer or cooler during a temperature cycle. Infrared images can detect these slight temperature variations, thereby locating the objects. It is certain that many undiscovered objects lie buried under a thin soil layer on Easter Island.
As of the date of this writing, the LLNL/UC/CE proposal had not been processed. Hence, during the 1995 Cordell Expedition, the effort will concentrate on documenting sites that may be of interest for surveying when funding does become available.
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