Underwater archeology - Papers 2020 & 2021
Back to the menu Next page Next page BUTTON TEXT Previous page
Click on the octopus to return to the top of the page
25 - Discovery and initial documentation of USS NEVADA (BB-36): An artifact of two world wars and the advent of the cold war.
Authors: Michael L. Brennan, James P. Delgado, Larrie D. Ferreiro, Josh Broussard, & Michael Arbuthnot. The discovery of the sunken remains of the battleship USS Nevada (BB-36) by Ocean Infinity and SEARCH Inc. in 2020 provided the means for documentation, site mapping, and characterization of a deep-water shipwreck with an iconic history that spanned half a century of profound change in the world in response to two world wars, shifting geopolitics and technological development that concluded with the advent of the atomic age.
13 - A novel Structure from Motion-based approach to underwater pile field documentation.
Authors: Johannes Reich, Philipp Steiner , Ariane Ballmer, Lea Emmenegger, Marco Hostettler, Corinne Staheli, Goce Naumov, Bojan Taneski, Valentina Todoroska, Konrad Schindler, & Albert Hafner. This article presents a novel methodology for the underwater documentation of pile fields in archaeological lakeside settlement sites using Structure from Motion (SfM). Mapping the piles of such sites is an indispensable basis for the exploitation of the high-resolution absolute chronological data gained through dendrochronology. In a case study at the underwater site of Ploca, Micov Grad at Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia, nine consecutive 10 m2 strips and a 6 m2 excavation section were uncovered, the situation documented, and the woodpiles sampled.
14 - The revolutionary cannon of the 15th century
Author: John Tomkinson This paper is a historical study of the evolution of cannons during the 15th century. Some readers may be surprised with an article that does not discuss diving. The reason is that cannons are often elements that can be used to deduct the age of some wrecks.
21 - From discovery to public consumption: the process of mapping and evaluating underwater cultural heritage in Malta
Authors: Izabela Bodus-Olkowska, Grzegorz Zaniewicz, Piotr Malinski This paper highlights the synergy between existing remote sensing technologies and the management of underwater cultural heritage with examples of ongoing research projects, such as Malta's approach to considerations of historical and natural conditions of site elements. Such an approach allows for the scaling of sites based on several parameters and provides instructive information for creating management strategies.
24 - Wrecks of the Lower Oder on the Magnetic Anomaly Maps. Hydrographic and Geophysical Research of Selected Objects of Underwater Cultural Heritage in 2020
Authors: Izabela Bodus-Olkowska, Grzegorz Zaniewicz, Piotr Malinski In August 2020, the authors of this paper realized an interdisciplinary survey of 12 wrecks located and inventoried earlier as a part of a project Underwater ethnoarchaeology of the Lower Oder. The survey was a part of the research on the classification method of anthropogenic, ferrous, underwater objects based on magnetic anomaly maps. Data acquisition involved recording data with an interferometric echosounder, side-scan sonar, and marine magnetometer.
26 - The archaeological examination of watercraft abandonment in Australia: A retrospective
Author: Nathan Richards The remnants of deliberately discarded watercraft have been a subject of maritime historical and archaeological inquiry for some time. Studies of ships re-utilized as ancient boat burials (such as the Snape Boat), votive offerings, or transformed into foundations, and many types of alternate structures and buildings are well-known in maritime archaeological literature.
22 - Optimization of acoustic profiler characteristics in the scope of underwater archeology and monitoring of underwater engineering objects.
Authors: IA Kirichenko, I B Starchenko, V Y Vishnevezkiy, A I Markolia, I I Sizov, and T P Strochan The shallow water environment is one of the most dynamic elements, subject to rapid sedimentary flows and of significant interest to human activities. This environment pose severe challenges due to shallow water, strong waves, strong currents, large tidal range, and fine gas, which restrict sound penetration. To optimize the characteristics of acoustic profiler with a parametric transmitting array in the scope of underwater archeology and monitoring of underwater engineering objects, theoretical studies of the influence of real conditions on the work of parametric hydro-acoustic systems and of the marine soils and bottom sediments features are presented in this study.
23 - Underwater Cultural Heritage as an Engine for Social, Economic and Cultural Development. State of Research at the University of Cadiz (Andalusia, Spain).
Public access to underwater and maritime cultural heritage has proven to have a very positive effect on the local economy. This type of heritage is very attractive for the cultural tourism sector in general and active and diving tourism. The Nautical and Underwater Archeology Line of the University of Cadiz, within the framework of the TIDE Project and Herakles Project, have been working on the enhancement of maritime and underwater heritage through the application of new technologies. This paper presents the advances in the project in the Strait of Gibraltar, based on the first phase of scientific analysis and the defnition of a common working methodology with resulted in a toolkit for the development of tourism activities.
18 - Understanding diver behavior on underwater cultural heritage: enriching the observation record using video methods
Authors: Joanne Edney, Kay Dimmock, and William E. Boyd Successful underwater heritage management requires a sound understanding of visitor behavior. Primary visitors to  underwater heritage sites are divers whose behavior can  pose risks to the integrity of the site's cultural heritage and tourism values. This study seeks to understand wreck diver in -water behavior. 
19 - Optimization of acoustic profiler characteristics in the scope of underwater archeology and monitoring of underwater engineering objects
Authors: I A Kirichenko, I B Starchenko, V Y Vishnevezkiy, A I Markolia, I I Sizov, and T P Strochan The results of theoretical studies of the influence of real conditions on the work of parametric hydro-acoustic systems and of the marine soils and bottom sediments features are presented in this study to solve the problem of optimizing the characteristics of acoustic profiler with a parametric transmitting array in the scope of underwater archeology and monitoring of underwater engineering objects.
20 - Manual for Scientific Diving Safety
The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) Scientific Diving Program has supported the VIMS Dive Team with training and equipment since 1983. This manual is a modified version of the 2018 American Academy of Underwater Science (AAUS) standards (.https://www.aaus.org/AAUS)
17 - The Antikythera wreck: A numismatic approach
Author: Daniele Castrizio The paper examines the coins discovered in the Antikythera wreck by sponge fishermen in 1900 near the island of Antikythera. The excavation yielded numerous artifacts, including the famous Antikythera mechanism and human remains. Researchers have debated the date and origin, using sources such as pottery and writings. In 1976, 36 silver and approximately 40 bronze coins were discovered, all of which were corroded. Studying these coins, particularly their origin in the Aegean or Sicilian, helps us learn more about the ship's history.
1 - Mapping the Historical Shipwreck Figaro in the High Arctic Using Underwater Sensor-Carrying Robots
Authors: Aksel Alstad Mogstad, Øyvind Ødegård, Stein Melvær Nornes, Martin Ludvigsen, Geir Johnsen, Asgeir J. Sørensen, & Jørgen Berge This study was conducted on the wreck site of the Figaro, a floating whalery that sank in 1908 and was discovered in Trygghamna, Isfjorden, Svalbard. Multiple remote sensing techniques have been used to survey and analyze the wreck site, emphasizing the advantages of using complementary methods such as photogrammetric 3D modeling and underwater hyperspectral imagery. The study also highlights the findings related to biofouling levels on different marine archaeological substrates and suggests that high-density biological assemblages could help identify human-made artifacts on the seafloor.
4 - Using Remote Sensing Techniques to Document and Identify the Largest Underwater Object of the Baltic Sea: Case Study of the Only German Aircraft Carrier, Graf Zeppelin
Author: Artur Grzadziel This study focused on identifying a massive shipwreck in the Baltic Sea using remote sensing technology, specifically side- scan sonar and scanning sonar. The methodology, challenges, and results of the study are described in the report, emphasizing the effectiveness of the proposed approach in obtaining accurate measurement data and identifying the shipwreck with high confidence..
5 - Atlas of Shipwrecks in Inner Ionian Sea (Greece): A Remote Sensing Approach
Authors: Maria Geraga, Dimitris Christodoulou, Dimitrios Eleftherakis, George Papatheodorou, Elias Fakiris, Xenophon Dimas, Nikos Georgiou, Stavroula Kordella, Michalis Prevenios, Margarita Iatrou, Despina Zoura, Sofia Kekebanou, Makis Sotiropoulos, and George Ferentinos This document highlights the significance of underwater cultural heritage (UCH) sites, particularly shipwrecks in the Inner Ionian Sea in Greece, and emphasizes the need for a protection framework to preserve these sites. It discusses the methods used to study these shipwrecks, their historical importance, and the threats posed by human activities such as fishing.
9 - Optimization of acoustic profiler characteristics in the scope of underwater archeology and monitoring of underwater engineering objects
Author: I A Kirichenko, I B Starchenko, V Y Vishnevezkiy, A I Markolia, I I Sizov , & T P Strochan This document presents studies on optimizing the characteristics of an acoustic profiler with a parametric transmitting array for applications in underwater archaeology and the monitoring of underwater engineering objects. It discusses the influence of real conditions on the performance of parametric hydro-acoustic systems, the necessary amplification range to compensate for acoustic wave propagation losses, and the required acoustic power for effective penetration into marine sediments. It also suggests designing and constructing a parametric profiler based on these theoretical investigations.
11 - Diving Deeper into Wreck Diver Motivations and Attitudes
Author: Joanne Edney, Kay Dimmock, and William E. Boyd The text intends to convey the importance of understanding wreck divers' characteristics, motivations, and attitudes to manage underwater wreck sites effectively. The text emphasizes the need to balance heritage conservation and tourism to ensure quality diving experiences while protecting underwater cultural heritage. It also highlights the outcomes of an international survey of wreck divers, which can inform management strategies and destination marketing..
12 - Understanding Diver Behavior on Underwater Cultural Heritage: Enriching the Observation Record Using Video Methods
Author: Joanne Edney, Kay Dimmock, & William E. Boyd This study aims to understand the behavior of wreck divers at underwater heritage sites. The study highlights the limitations of conventional observation methods and proposes the use of wearable cameras for video observation to gain more detailed insights into diver behavior. The findings from the video analysis are intended to inform heritage and tourism management decisions and provide a baseline for future research.
15 - Underwater Cultural Heritage as an Engine for Social, Economic and Cultural Development. State of Research at the University of Cadiz (Andalusia, Spain)
Author: Carlota Pérez-Reverte Mañas, Felipe Cerezo Andreo, Pablo López Osorio, Raúl González Gallero, Luis Mariscal Rico, & Alicia Arévalo González This document aims to inform about the positive economic impact of public access to underwater and maritime cultural heritage (UCH and MCH) and present the advancements made by the University of Cadiz in enhancing this heritage through new technologies. The text highlights the work done within the TIDE and Herakles Projects, including developing tourism activities such as accessible underwater heritage routes, virtual reality applications for dry dive experiences, and streaming of underwater archaeological works.
2 - A Shallow Water Ferrous-Hulled Shipwreck Reveals a Distinct Microbial Community.
Authors: Kyra A. Price, Cody E. Garrison, Nathan Richards, and Erin K. Field Shipwrecks serve as artificial reefs and offer a surface for various life forms, especially microbial communities. This study focused on the Pappy Lane shipwreck to assess microbial community differences. Samples showed shipwreck microbes were more similar to each other than to surrounding environments. Variations were noted in microbial communities on corroded versus non-corroded debris. Iron-oxidizing bacteria linked to deterioration were abundant on corroded samples. A new strain was isolated and found to potentially support nutrient cycling in the ecosystem. Understanding these communities can aid in shipwreck preservation efforts.
7 - Fungal Community and Biodeterioration Analysis of Hull Wood and Its Storage Environment of the Nanhai No. 1 Shipwreck.
Authors: Yeqing Han, Xinduo Huang, Yu Wang, Jing Du, Kaixuan Ma, Yue Chen, Naisheng Li, Zhiguo Zhang, and Jiao Pan The Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck is a Chinese merchant ship from the Southern Song Dynasty, currently housed in a glass warehouse at the Maritime Silk Road Museum in Guangdong Province. The ship's hull is still being excavated, and some wood is soaked in a solution for desalting. This study analyzes the fungal community in both exposed and soaked wood. We collected various samples and found fungal structures using microscopes. The dominant fungi were Fusarium sp. and Scedosporium sp. , with F. solani and S. apiospermum posing a significant threat to preservation. These findings help in the protection of shipwrecks and similar artifacts
6 - Definition of analytical cleaning procedures for archaeological pottery from underwater environments: The case study of samples from Baia (Naples, South Italy)
Author: Michela Ricca, Beatriz Cámara, Rafael Fort, Mónica Álvarez de Buergo, Luciana Randazzo, Barbara Davidde Petriaggi, Mauro Francesco La Russa This article examines a multidisciplinary analysis of 13 pottery fragments from the submerged archaeological site of Baia in Naples, Italy, a significant Roman historical location. It highlights various diagnostic tests conducted to understand the materials' structure and properties, as well as their degradation under seawater exposure. The study emphasizes the dual impact of degradation on the pottery's physical and aesthetic properties, particularly biological growth and its implications for conservation strategies.
3 - Assessing the Utility of Open-Access Bathymetric Data for Shipwreck Detection in the United States
Authors: Dylan S. Davis, Danielle C. Bufia, and Amy C. Wrobleski Investigation of submerged cultural heritage is a key archaeological focus, but the high cost of underwater data acquisition often limits research. In the United States, freely available high-resolution bathymetric data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including swath bathymetric and topographic LiDAR datasets, remain underutilized for marine archaeology. This study evaluates the archaeological potential of these open- access datasets through three case studies in Long Island, New York; coastal Massachusetts; and New Orleans.
8 - The Underwater Recovery Excavation at Kekova Adası: Observations on the Tek Ada Shipwreck and Finds
Authors: Erdogan Aslan, L. Ufuk Erdogan This project introduces a deep learning model using digital elevation data to automatically detect shipwrecks over large areas, addressing challenges in underwater archaeology such as high costs and hazards. By leveraging open-source NOAA data and transfer learning, the model improves accuracy by training on shipwrecks and background topography, reducing false positives. Statistical analyses confirmed significant morphological differences between shipwrecks and background features. Using a YOLOv3 architecture, the model achieved high performance metrics, with an F1 score of 0.92 and precision of 0.90, validating its effectiveness.
10 - Archaeologic Machine Learning for Shipwreck Detection Using Lidar and Sonar
Authors: Leila Character, Agustin Ortiz JR, Tim Beach, and Sheryl Luzzadder-Beach This project introduces a deep learning model leveraging digital elevation data to automate and expedite shipwreck detection across large regions, advancing underwater archaeology. Given the challenges of traditional methods—cost, inefficiency, and danger—this tool enhances mapping of natural and archaeological features, aiding resource prioritization and excavation planning. Using open-source NOAA data, the model employs transfer learning to overcome limited sample sizes and mitigates false positives by training on both shipwrecks and background topography. Statistical analyses (ANOVAs, box plots) confirm distinct morphological differences between shipwrecks and background terrain.
16 - Batavia shipwreck timbers reveal a key to Dutch success in 17th-century world trade
Authors: Aoife Daly, Marta Domınguez-Delmas, Wendy van Duivenvoorde Ocean-going ships were vital to Early Modern maritime economies, and studying their construction—via shipwreck timbers—reveals how wood supply, craftsmanship, and design shaped global trade. Dendroarchaeological analysis of the VOC ship Batavia (built Amsterdam, 1628; wrecked Western Australia, 1629) shows the Dutch overcame oak shortages through strategic timber sourcing: hull planks from the Baltic and Lübeck hinterland, framing elements from Lower Saxony; consistent removal of sapwood; innovative hull design; and wind-powered sawmills. These practices enabled mass production of ocean-going vessels, underpinning the VOC’s dominance in 17th-century Asian trade and its role in pioneering modern capitalism.