Comparison of the maritime Sites and Monuments Record with side‐scan sonar and diver surveys: A case study from Rathlin Island, Ireland

Abstract

Rathlin Island, off the north coast of Ireland, has a history of settlement and seafaring from the Late Mesolithic period to the present day. The maritime Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) for Rathlin indicates many wrecking incidents. In 1999, a reconnaissance side-scan sonar survey confirmed the presence of 46 targets of possible archaeological potential around Rathlin Island. Thirteen of these anomalies were positively identified as shipwrecks. Of the remaining 33 targets, nine were dived on in order to ground-truth the geophysical data. A successful and rapid methodology of ground-truthing side-scan sonar data for archaeological purposes was developed. The results confirmed the presence of a Danforth Anchor at one site, while the remaining anomalies were identified as geological features. The results from the side-scan survey and diver-truthing exercise enhanced the existing maritime SMR. ᭧

Detecting submerged objects: The application of side scan sonar to forensic contexts

“…However, a number of factors can influence the success of a search with side-scan sonar. Quinn et al [48] found that a geophysical survey, such as one with side scan sonar, provides a quick and effective survey method, although it is dependent on the experience of the operator, the navigation by the driver, and the quality of the image.…”

Scattered shipwreck site prospection: the combined use of numerical modeling and documentary research (Fougueux, 1805)

“…The interpretation of sonar and magnetometer data for archaeological research was focused on the identification of Banomalies^ (Quinn et al 2002(Quinn et al , 2005.…”

Backscatter responses and resolution considerations in archaeological side-scan sonar surveys: a control experiment

“…Results from these and more recent marine geoarchaeological surveys suggest that images of large intact objects and artefact assemblage, such as upstanding wrecks, can be insonified with side-scan sonar and readily interpreted [2,4,9,10,18,25], but difficulties in imaging and interpreting smaller object types and scattered wreck material exist [17,19].…”

“…This approach is widely used in checking the veracity of conventional surveys undertaken in near-zero underwater visibility [18] and for monitoring changes in wreck structures and site development with reference to the natural environment [16]. It has also proved invaluable in making quick assessments of new sites about which there is little quantified information but, even then, it is possible to interpret appropriately-shaped natural phenomena as wreck-sites [19].…”