Biodeterioration dynamics of marine wreck-sites determine the need for theirin situprotection

Abstract

The condition of a wooden shipwreck varies considerably according to the nature of the site environment. Each marine site exhibits a unique biodeteriogenic potential influenced by prevailing hydrographic factors. The potential rate of degradation of organic archaeological material can be determined by monitoring the diversity and activity of marine organisms and is important in determining if in sifu protection is required. To illustrate the deteriogenic potential of marine archaeological sites a cold water site (Langstone Harbour, UK) was compared with a warm water site (Zakynthos, Greece). The warm water site supported a greater diversity and activity of wood-boring crustaceans and molluscs than the cold water site. However, although the mycodiversity at the two sites was different the deteriogenic potential was similar. These results indicated that warm water sites are more hazardous and in situ protection is required during and after excavation.

Effects of substrata and environmental conditions on ecological succession on historic shipwrecks

“…On the other hand, the sessile community can provide protection from physical and chemical degradation (Bethencourt et al, 2010;L opez-Garrido et al, 2015;Wheeler, 2002). In this regard, the presence of some species on wood could prevent the action of boring organisms (Pournou et al, 2001) or the abrasive effect due to sediment transport (Camidge, 2009). One of the most obvious influences of the sessile community is the formation of bio-concretions, at particular over iron objects, both cast and wrought (L opez-Garrido et al, 2015;Wheeler, 2002).…”

Agent-based modelling for the study of shipwreck site formation processes: A theoretical framework and conceptual model.

“…Thus, data about the movement of marine currents were reported by the seasons of the year i.e., quarterly, 56 while studies on wood and metal degradation, as well as on the growth of colonising organisms, reported data at intervals of six months or one year. 50,57,58 Based on this, we decided that the unit of time that would represent each moment of Execution in the ABM would be one month.…”

“…62 However, both in warm (16-26 °C) and cold waters (5-12 °C), these animals can completely degrade a piece of wood between six months and a year, depending on the size and type of wood. 57,58 Degradation by boring animals is limited to the exposed parts of the submerged wood and is completely absent in those parts covered by more than 10 cm of sediment. In these cases, degradation does continue, although much more slowly, due to the action of soft rot fungi, tunnelling bacteria, and erosion bacteria.…”

“…Based on experimental data reported by Pournou et al, and Björdal & Nilsson, we developed the following linear regression equations for estimating the monthly degradation of oak and pine woods, both exposed and covered by sediment. 57,58 A detailed explanation of how we developed these equations can be found in Ref. 70.…”

Naufragios bajo las dunas: el caso de estudio del sitio Bahía del Potrero 1

“…En la actualidad no existen procedimientos estandarizados para la investigación y conservación in situ de los sitios de naufragios históricos. Si bien se han realizado algunas experiencias en laboratorio (Björdal y Nilsson, 1998) y en el campo (Bethencourt et al, 2018;Björdal y Nilsson 2008;Brouwers y Manders, 2008;Gregory y Manders, 2015;Pournou et al, 2001;Stewart et al, 1995), las mismas fueron desarrolladas para la investigación en contextos subacuáticos. Por este motivo, es necesario la generación de investigaciones que apunten a la investigación y monitoreo de sitios de naufragio en contextos intermareales.…”