Needle, Meet Haystack: The Role of Magnetometers in Underwater Archaeological Research and the Evolution of Interpreting Magnetic Data for Cultural Resource Investigations

This collection contains the abstracts of the papers presented in the session entitled "Needle, Meet Haystack: The Role of Magnetometers in Underwater Archaeological Research and the Evolution of Interpreting Magnetic Data for Cultural Resource Investigations," at the 2024 annual meeting of the Society for Historical Archaeology.

The magnetometer is an essential tool in underwater archaeological surveys allowing for the identification of submerged archaeological sites. Magnetometers are able to detect magnetic anomalies caused by the presence of ferrous materials, which can be used to locate shipwrecks, submerged structures, and other archaeological sites. In areas that experience pronounced sedimentation and shoreline migration, the magnetometer is often the most decisive tool for identifying submerged cultural resources.

This symposium will provide a comprehensive overview of the early use of magnetometers in underwater archaeology and shed light on the significant contributions made by archaeologists in the field. Participants will share case studies and best practices for using magnetometers in different underwater environments, including rivers, lakes, bays, and oceans. The symposium aims to highlight not only the early development of archaeological interpretation of magnetic data, but also to showcase newer methodologies such as the use of autonomous vehicles and aerial drones.