Comparative Analysis of Data Sets from Deepwater Surveys: Archaeological, Geological, and Biological Encounters in the Gulf of Mexico

Summary

Within the Outer Continental Shelf of the Gulf of Mexico, U.S. government policy requires that lessees of federal oil, gas, and sulphur leases conduct remote-sensing surveys in areas of anticipated seafloor disturbance in order to delineate potentially significant archaeological, biological, or geological features. This paper briefly outlines the requirements set forth in the federal guidelines and presents a comparative analysis of commonly-acquired data sets collected during deepwater surveys; including side-scan sonar, multibeam echosounder, subbottom profiler, and remotely operated vehicle data. Also included is a discussion on potential challenges faced by archaeologists while interpreting these data, including analysis of man-made debris, various geological and biological features which may resemble cultural material, and existing seafloor disturbances caused by previous exploration and/or development activities. Finally, examples are provided of wreck sites successfully located and investigated as a direct result of deepwater surveys conducted within the parameters of the federal regulations.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2014   •
• Deepwater Archaeology: Advancements, Opportunities, and Limitations

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): SYM-69,08