Understanding Maritime Heritage Through The Iterative Use Of Geophysics and Diving

Summary

Over recent decades, offshore developments in the UK have given archaeologists access to large areas of seafloor which would not otherwise have been subjected to archaeological investigation. Heritage assets within these areas comprise remains of vessels, aircraft and associated debris associated with ports and harbours, maritime trade routes and activity associated with war. While the larger assets are often understood, the smaller or more ephemeral assets are more difficult to identify, but can considerably enhance the understanding of maritime archaeological context within a region.

High-resolution geophysical surveys are routinely used to identify features with archaeological potential, however, it is often impossible to determine their true nature through geophysical assessment alone. This paper will present case studies illustrating how increased use of ROVs to ground truth interpretations as part of the site investigation process has proved crucial to increasing our archaeological knowledge and improving the accuracy of future archaeological interpretations.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Paper / Report Submission (General Sessions) 2018   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2018

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Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

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PaperId(s): 939