Search and Documentation of Underwater Archaeological Sites

Abstract

Archaeological survey is fundamental to archaeological data collection. Underwater archaeology is developing and maturing as a discipline. The levels of technology available for investigations are variable depending on the objectives of surveys. Prior to entering the field, it is essential to do a complete desktop research, an in-office examination of available literature, and to develop a survey plan. This article describes different methods and the tools used for probing, which are used for examining subsurface features or defining the extent of a site. Remote sensing is an effective method to search for cultural material in a marine context. Once a general survey has located acoustic targets, magnetic anomalies, or other areas of interest, a predisturbance site survey of the targets may be conducted. Accurate positioning during a predisturbance investigation is critical. With an area survey complete or a predisturbance survey conducted, the next step in the archaeological process is excavation.

RE‐SURVEY OF THE ANCHORAGE AT MARONITSAROUKKAS, CYPRUS: DEFINING AND VIEWING A LATE BRONZE AGE COASTSCAPE

“…With an area of roughly 45,000 m 2 , the anchorage is too expansive for complete excavation and presents challenges for a full diver-survey repeated on a yearly basis. Traditional underwater survey techniques, such as divers swimming transects, either lack detailed resolution if conducted rapidly, or would take an extensive amount of time to completely map the site if surveyed for a detailed resolution (Green and Gainsford 2003;Tuttle 2011). If total station survey equipment can be used in shallow waters, an artefact's location can be plotted with an accuracy of under 50 mm (Henderson et al 2013), yet this process is very time consuming, difficult in typical windy conditions, and only feasible in shallow waters in which a pole can accurately be positioned between the object and the surface.…”

Making the Invisible Visible: Underwater Malta—A Virtual Museum for Submerged Cultural Heritage

“…In recent years a different configuration has been used, where the sonar is mounted onto an AUV. An AUV is a mobile underwater robot that integrates several tools, including navigation systems and GPS, propulsion and direction modules, and a multitude of remote sensing equipment [29,30]. This setup allows the AUV to perform planned missions, and all that is required is a surface vessel with a launch platform and trained individuals for launch and recovery [30].…”

“…An AUV is a mobile underwater robot that integrates several tools, including navigation systems and GPS, propulsion and direction modules, and a multitude of remote sensing equipment [29,30]. This setup allows the AUV to perform planned missions, and all that is required is a surface vessel with a launch platform and trained individuals for launch and recovery [30]. The sonar mounted on the AUV used by the University of Malta is an EdgeTech high-and-low frequency sonar that generates 2D images of the seabed.…”