Parametric Seismic Profilers— Their Application To in-situ Management Of Underwater Archaeological Sites At Risk From Degradational Loss Of Shallow-buried Materials.

Summary

This is an abstract from the session entitled "Contextualizing Maritime Archaeology in Australasia" , at the 2021 annual meeting of the Society for Historical Archaeology.

The application potential of parametric seismic profilers (SBPs) to in-situ management of underwater archaeological sites at risk from degradational loss of shallow-buried materials is presented. This approach is based on the process driven in-situ preservation and research frameworks advocated by the UNESCO 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, and provides a basis for greater uptake by the archaeological community. Results from research at a purposely-prepared sub-seabed site, and on the adjoining James Matthews (1841) wrecksite in Western Australia, demonstrate how non-invasive SBP derived data supports responsible management of UCH sites by: 1) identifying the potential level of risk of further material loss from ongoing degradation; 2) providing key information with which to make a sound in-situ management plan; and 3) ongoing monitoring feedback regarding the success and stability of the managed site.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Contextualizing Maritime Archaeology in Australasia   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2021

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology