Formation Processes of Maritime Archaeological Sites in the French West Indies Through the Example of Guadeloupe: A First Approach 

Summary

A broad point of view is applied in order to present this first approach on the formation processes of submerged  and coastal archaeological sites in Guadeloupe. Evidence from historical analysis to archaeological observation help to explain formation processes associated with coastal and submerged archaeological sites. This paper presents a typological approach linked with the site location: underwater, coastal and micro island sites.

The formation processes of shipwreck sites incorporate several parameters, from the events associated with maritime losses to the underwater preservation context. In this discussion field-tested examples are used to assess the archaeological potential for submerged shipwreck sites.

Geomorphologic parameters, including erosion, sea level evolution, and tectonic activity, are evaluated with regard to the formation of coastal Amerindian and colonial sites, in particular, micro-island sites. Historical coastal sites formation under process provide interesting information useful in assessing the impact of development and urbanization.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Formation Processes of Maritime Archaeological Landscapes and Sites   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2013

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 151