archeo-reports 2024 - now

Underwater archeology - Papers from 2024 to now

Authors: Simon Brown, & Jon C. Henderson This paper explains the survey and monitoring of the SS Thistlegorm wreck in the Red Sea using digital photogrammetry. This proves that digital photogrammetry provides an affordable and straightforward method that meets professional standards,enabling non-experts to gather data using a basic camera setup and standard software.

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03 - Perceptions of organizational value and unethical/deviant behaviors among lecturers in Archeology and Religion and Cultural Studies An intervention study

Authors: Joseph Nnaemeka Chukwuma, Moses Onyemaechi Ede, Ifeoma Salome Chukwuma, Eddy M. Izueke, Joy Nneka Uchenye Ejikeme, Chinyere Isaac Madukwe, Christopher N. Ibenwa, Nnadi Fabian Uzochukwu, Michael Chigozie Anyaehie, Obiageli Kay Nkechi Omali, Christian Ikechukwu Nnadi, Nnamdi Ugochukwu Ijeudo, David C. Ononogbu, Omaka Kalu Ngele, Robert Nyakuwa, Andrew Nnabuchi Ogbochie This study investigated the impact of psychoeducational coaching, specifically rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT), on improving workplace ethical perceptions and reducing deviant behaviors among lecturers in archeology, religion, and cultural studies. The document outlines the study's methodology, results, and conclusions.

04 - Risk assessment of war wrecks -a comprehensive approach investigating four wrecks containing munitions in the German Bight/North Sea

Authors: Sven Bergmann, Matthias Brenner, Jennifer Susanne Strehse, Tobias Hartwig Bünning, Edmund Maser, Philipp Grassel, David Heuskin, David Brandt, Marco Berger, Simon van der Wulp, Mathew Skellhorn, Polly Hill, Sven Van Haelst, Maarten De Rijcke, Uwe Wichert This document informs about research efforts within the EU Interreg project North Sea Wrecks (NSW) and its collaboration with the German Aerospace Centre and the Institute for the Protection of Maritime Infrastructures (DLR) to understand the environmental risks posed by shipwrecks and dumped munitions in the North Sea and globally. The document details the methodologies used, including historical document analysis, visual inspections, and sample analysis, to assess the status of wrecks,

Authors: JJan Majcher, Rory Quinn, Gert Normann Andersen, and David Gregory This paper provides an academic examination of the effects of bottom trawling on shipwreck sites to conceptualize them as process-response systems that reach a quasi- equilibrium state over time and to analyze how bottom- contact fishing gear disrupts this state. It discusses the capabilities and limitations of modern geophysical methods in detecting changes at underwater archaeological sites caused by bottom trawling, highlights the challenges of identifying disturbances on dynamic seabeds, and suggests that detailed analysis of wreck distribution might serve as indirect proxies for structural damage.

Authors: Min Tao, Liza Chang This document is provided as information for people who have not diving formation and are interrested by such activities. It highlights the importance of understanding the multidimensional aspects of scuba diving specialization, the duties of instructors, and the limitations faced by recreational scuba divers in China. It also seeks to identify the qualities of an excellent instructor and the necessary enhancements needed for their professional growth.

Authors: Neal W. Pollock This text intends to inform and caution readers about the complexities and risks associated with using closed-circuit rebreathers in diving compared to open-circuit systems. It highlights the advantages of rebreathers, such as expanding the diving range, while emphasizing the increased complexity and potential hazards involved. The text also highlights the importance of proper training, monitoring, and ongoing commitment to safety practices for users of rebreathers.

Authors: Kinga Korniejenko, and Bartosz Kontny This paper analyzes the use of virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) technologies in the field of underwater archaeology. It reviews current applications, discusses the development and creation process of VR and AR applications for this purpose, highlights areas of application and barriers, and provides a discussion based on case studies. It concludes with a summary and exploration of future possibilities for these technologies in underwater archaeology.

Authors: Ashley Lemke This document aims to inform about the field of anthropological archaeology underwater. It explains what this type of research involves, how it differs from traditional archaeology, and the unique insights it provides into ancient human behavior through advanced technologies and the preservation capabilities of underwater environments. It also intends to introduce the reader to the scope of this field, including the exploration of submerged sites and the methodologies used to study them.

Authors: Alain Foret This document explains the initial Haldane model and its limitations in managing decompression during repetitive dives. It discusses historical and modern approaches to addressing these limitations, including the evolution from the original Haldane tables to the Repetitive Group (RG) method and the challenges faced with the advent of dive computers.

Authors: Charlotte Papillaud Looram, and Jade Lindley Underwater cultural heritage on the high seas is difficult to police by any single state, making shipwrecks vulnerable to theft and illegal sales. The United Nations High Seas Treaty aims to protect these valuable sites. Shipwreck ownership can also be disputed in a state's exclusive economic zone, complicating protection efforts. The article uses the Geldermalsen shipwreck example to explore how international law and technology can help prevent these crimes.

Authors: Yu Wang, Yeqing Han, Naisheng Li, Cen Wang, aixuan Ma, Xinduo Huang, Jing Du, Hong Guo, and Jiao Pan The Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck, an ancient ship from the Southern Song Dynasty, faces issues from microbial diseases on its hull wood. This study collected microbial samples to analyze these diseases and found Fusarium solani NK-NH1 as the main fungus, capable of degrading cellulose and lignin. The research offers insights for preserving the shipwreck.

Authors: Philip A. Hartmeyer, Jeremy Weirich, Hans Van Tilburg, Adrienne Copeland, Mashkoor Malik, Frank Cantelas, Sam Cuellar, Kelley Suhre, Kasey Cantwell This article discusses the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) plans for ocean exploration in the Pacific Basin from 2024 to 2026. The focus of these operations is on community-driven exploration, emphasizing the involvement of local communities and stakeholders in the exploration process.

Authors: Alessio Calantropio, and Filiberto Chiabrando Underwater cultural heritage (UCH) is a valuable resource that requires preservation, documentation, and safeguarding. Advanced technologies like underwater photogrammetry are crucial for UCH documentation, providing high-resolution 3D models and 2D orthomosaics. However, challenges like water optical properties, light penetration, visibility, radiometric issues, and environmental drawbacks make it difficult. This paper discusses recent applications of photogrammetric techniques for UCH documentation.

Authors: Bengin Bilici Genc, Erkan Bostanci, Bekir Eskici, Hakan Erten, Berna Caglar Eryurt, Koray Acici, Didem Ketenoglu, and Tunc Asuroglu This study aims to develop a non-destructive, cost- minimizing, and easy-to-use analysis method for cultural assets. The method uses four primary colors (red, yellow, green, Egyptian blue, and ultramarine blue) and is trained on various models. The trained VGG19 model can classify paintings in archaeological and artistic works with their real identities, with a 99% success rate, similar to the McNemar test. This approach is designed to address the challenges faced by cultural heritage workers in understanding these assets without sampling.

18 - Archival Research, Underwater Optical Surveys, and 3D Modelling: Three Stages for Shaping the Wreck of the Steamship Bengala (Isola di Capo Rizzuto, Crotone, Italy)

Authors: Salvatore Medaglia, Fabio Bruno, Ana Castelli, Matteo Collina, Barbara Davidde Petriaggi, Luca De Rosa, Julieta Frere, Fabrizio Fuoco, Guillermo Gutiérrez, Antonio Lagudi, Francesco Megna, and Raffaele Peluso SS Bengala, a steamer that sank in 1889 near Capo Rizzuto, Italy, played a significant role in the development of Italy's merchant navy. Despite its brief service life, no iconographic material has been found to depict the ship. Researchers have created a virtual reconstruction using archival sources and underwater surveys. The 3D modelling of the ship's external hull, based on geometric data from the wreck site, offers a first step towards virtual reconstruction. The model can be used in augmented reality applications and museum exhibits.

Authors: C. Ferrero-Martín, A. Izquierdo, M. Bethencourt, and T. Fernández-Montblanc This study presents a new methodology to assess climate change's impacts on underwater cultural heritage (UCH) preservation in shallow waters. It focuses on wave-induced hazards like decontextualization, scouring, and wear erosion, and was applied in the Bay of Cadiz, revealing local increases in wave energy flux in rocky outcrops and coastal areas with high UCH density. The authors conclude that this method is essential for identifying high-risk areas and evaluating UCH preservation under future climate conditions.

20 - Underwater Drones as a Low-Cost, yet Powerful Tool for Underwater Archaeological Mapping: Case Studies from the Mediterranean

Authors: Eleni Diamanti, Vasili Mentogiannis, Oyvind Odegard, Georges Koutsouflakis This paper explores the use of underwater drones in underwater archaeological mapping, highlighting their portability, maneuverability, and semi-autonomous mapping capabilities. It presents two case studies from the Phournoi archipelago in Greece, demonstrating their effectiveness in photogrammetric mapping of a Late Roman shipwreck and large-scale surveying of a historically significant anchorage site, highlighting their potential to revolutionize underwater archaeological documentation.

Author: Laurent Urios Metallic shipwrecks, historically significant marine sites, are facing degradation due to microorganisms. This review aims to understand the relationship between bacteria and metallic shipwrecks, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary studies to protect the environment and underwater cultural and natural heritage sites.

Author: Deanna Groom This research explores the impacts of climate change on historic shipwrecks in Wales, identifying suitable sites through baseline surveys and 3D digital photogrammetry. Results show warmer water species are expanding their range northwards, while Welsh shipwreck biodiversity has decreased by 7% in the past 30 years. This study contributes to a nationwide review of climate emergency changes and suggests international research and policy actions to protect underwater and intertidal shipwrecks.

23 - Leveraging Maritime Cultural Heritage to Drive Smart, Specialization Strategies: Fostering Innovation, Blue, Economy, and Sustainable Development

Authors: Stella Sofi a Kyvelou, Nektaria Marava, and Dimitrios G. Ierapetritis This paper explores the role of maritime cultural heritage (MUCH) in innovative specialization strategies and sustainable growth, particularly in the context of the blue economy in Europe. It focuses on the Greek context, where soft multi-use activities combining UCH, diving tourism, and nature conservation are gaining momentum. The researchers recommend using maritime spatial planning to address challenges and promote a sustainable blue economy by balancing cultural, ecological, social, and economic goals.

Authors: C. Balletti, C. Beltrame, E. Costa, F. Guerra, P. Vernier Underwater surveys require specific techniques different from land archaeology due to the challenges of using active 3D sensors. Researchers from Ca' Foscari University and University IUAV of Venice have been testing integrated techniques, finding that multi-image digital photogrammetry effectively supports underwater archaeology. This method yields high-quality 3D models and 2D representations. The paper discusses the integrated survey of two Roman shipwrecks, detailing topographic survey approaches based on site characteristics. Results include 3D models useful for various analyses and public documentation.

Authors: Ervan G. Garrison, Matthew A. Newton, Benjamin Prueitt, Emily Carter Jones, and Debra A. Willard A buried paleosol was discovered on the continental shelf during a study of sea floor scour, containing tree stumps, root systems, and fossil animal bone. Radiocarbon dating of wood samples revealed ages of 42,015–43,417 calibrated years before present. The site was identified as a freshwater forested wetland with Taxodium distichum as the keystone tree species. The preserved soil is classified as an Aquult, a sub-order of Ultisols.

Authors: Jingsheng Li, Yuanbing Ouyang, Hao Wang, Di Wu, and Yushan Pan DeepSeaNet is a novel underwater image enhancement and object recognition method that overcomes challenges like low light, color distortion, and reduced contrast in underwater environments. It improves image clarity, color richness, and contrast by 20–40% over baseline methods.

28 - Naandamo: Indigenous Connections to Underwater Heritage, Settler Colonialism, and Underwater Archaeology in the North American Great Lakes

Authors: Ashley Lemke, and Mark Freeland The North American Great Lakes provide a dynamic case study of inundated cultural landscapes, influenced by settler colonialism and invasive power dynamics. Indigenous communities are interested in these inundated landscapes, but ethical considerations are needed. Researchers should consider settler colonialism as a methodology of understanding, providing an ethical starting point for working with Indigenous communities and inundated landscapes. This approach ensures a balance between Indigenous knowledge and archaeological research.

Authors: Andrzej Pydyn, Mateusz Popek, Lukasz Janowski, Andrzej Kowalczyk, Lidia Zuk The article discusses the significant archaeological site of Ostrów Lednicki in Poland, emphasizing the importance of modern technology in underwater and land excavations. Several decades of research have provided valuable insights into the Lednica settlement complex. The application of advanced methods such as multibeam echosounder (MBES), sub-bottom profiler (SBP), caesium magnetometer, and LiDAR scans, combined within a Geographic Information System (GIS), has allowed archaeologists to uncover new archaeological features, including two previously undiscovered bridges and extensive shore-zone fortifications.

29 - Marine geo-archaeological mapping using Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV). Case study: ancient semi-submerged settlement of Grotta Naxos, Greece

Authors: Konstantinos Merkouris, Maria Geraga, Xenophon Dimas, Andreas Vlachopoulos, George Papatheodorou This article illustrates a significant shift in the exploration and documentation of underwater cultural heritage due to technological advancements, particularly employing marine remote sensing techniques and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). The Grotta case study serves as a compelling example of how modern methods can effectively address challenges posed by underwater archaeology, ensuring that sites are documented accurately and respectfully. Implementing these technologies not only aids in preserving antiquities but also enhances our understanding of archaeological contexts.

Authors: Panagiota Kyriakoulia, Anastasios Kazolias, Dimitrios Konidaris, and Panagiotis Kokkinos This study examines the transformative impact of robotic systems on archaeology, focusing on their use in excavation, documentation, and the preservation of cultural heritage. It reviews various robotic systems used in different contexts such as underwater and aerial environments, and provides examples of their innovative applications. Additionally, it discusses the technical, economic, and ethical challenges in implementing these technologies and underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure their effective and respectful use.

Authors: Xudong Fang, Jianglong Zheng, Shengtao Zhou, Zepeng Huang, Boran Liu, Ping Chen, and Jiang Xu This study explores the effectiveness of conventional marine acoustic technologies—multibeam sonar, side-scan sonar, and sub-bottom profiling sonar—for detecting non-metal artifacts in Xiamen Bay. Using controlled experiments with ceramic artifact replicas, the research highlights the limitations and strengths of each technology, focusing on detection efficacy in relation to artifact size and environmental factors. The findings inform a proposed workflow that enhances underwater archaeological practices in complex marine environments, underlining the significance of substrate type and artifact characteristics.

36 - Sequence stratigraphy and relative sea level variations in Kastela Bay, Dalmatian coast, Croatia, and implications for the submerged palaeolandscapes and archaeology of the late Pleistocene, marine isotope stage 3 and marine isotope stage 2

Authors: Simon Fitch, Slavica Bosnjak, Jessica W. Cook Hale, Vedran Barbaric, Timothy A. Shaw, Tanghua Li The article discusses the significance of relative sea level, palaeoclimate, and palaeohydrology in understanding past hominin behaviors and archaeological records, particularly in relation to submerged landscapes. It focuses on a palaeolandscape reconstruction project along the Dalmatian coast of Croatia as part of the Life on the Edge (LOTE) initiative. The study reveals a preserved landscape from Marine Isotope Stage 3, dating between 57,000 and 29,000 cal BP, indicating that at least two hominin species inhabited the area, taking advantage of abundant resources.

Authors: Christoforos Benetatos, Stefano Costa, Giorgio Giglio, Claudio Mastrantuono, Roberto Mo, Costanzo Peter, Candido Fabrizio Pirri, Adriano Rovere, and Francesca Verga The article discusses the archaeological significance of a Roman shipwreck discovered off the coast of Italy in 2006, dating to the 1st century B.C. The study focuses on the first underwater survey conducted using an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) equipped with advanced sonar technologies. The survey revealed a significant accumulation of amphorae, confirming the potential of AUVs in underwater archaeological applications and suggesting broader uses in seafloor monitoring.

07 - Georeferencing Strategies in Very Shallow Waters: A Novel GCPs Survey Approach for UCH Photogrammetric Documentation - Published by DPI - Remote sensing

Authors: Alessio Calantropio, and Filiberto Chiabrando This article discusses the growing interest in high- resolution monitoring of underwater assets due to demands for accuracy in surveying archaeological and cultural heritage. It highlights the challenges of achieving precise positioning and georeferencing underwater compared to terrestrial methods. The paper explores the use of innovative techniques and prototypes, including a plastic marker and aluminum pole, designed for topographic surveys in shallow waters. These prototypes are coupled with a tilt-compensating smart antenna to enhance measurement accuracy and independence from shore-based equipment.

21 - Enhancing Three-Dimensional Reconstruction Through Intelligent Colormap Selection - Published by MDPI - sensors

Authors: Alexandros Vrochidis, Dimitrios Tzovaras, and Stelios Krinidis This article presents a novel photogrammetry method that significantly improves three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions by enhancing image quality using RGB stretching, Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE), and optimized colormaps. The methodology increases the number of keypoints and matches between images, resulting in improved reconstruction accuracy. A heuristic approach is introduced to identify optimal colormaps, facilitating time-saving recommendations for various datasets. The algorithm is validated using a new dataset of underwater cultural heritage images, particularly in challenging low-visibility environments.

30 - Underwater Heritage documentation using photogrammetry: the CRAB system - Published by the International Journal on Advanced Science Engineering Information Technology

Authors: Beatrice Tanduo, Edward Borgogno, Filiberto Chiabrando, Francesca Gallitto, Stefania Manca, Paolo Maschio, Andrea Lingua This article discusses the challenges of documenting and preserving submerged cultural heritage due to environmental factors. It introduces the CRAB (Calibrated Rig for Aquatic photogrammetric Bicamera system), a sophisticated imaging system designed for high-resolution 3D reconstruction of underwater archaeological sites. Tested at a Roman shipwreck in Italy, CRAB utilizes synchronized high-resolution cameras and a structured image acquisition pattern, resulting in an effective method for underwater photogrammetry that enhances the documentation and conservation of submerged cultural assets.

32 - Application and Challenges of Photogrammetry in Underwater Excavations: Case Studies from the Jeju Sinchang-ri and Gunsan Seonyudo Sites, Korea - Published by the International Journal on Advanced Science Engineering Information Technology

Author: Jeong Heon This paper explores the challenges and applications of photogrammetry in underwater archaeology, particularly in two sites in Korea: Jeju Sinchang-ri and Gunsan Seonyudo. At Sinchang-ri, conditions allowed for high- resolution site mapping using effective surveying methods, while at Seonyudo, issues like sedimentation forced the use of experimental techniques to capture stratigraphy and artifact mapping. The study emphasizes the necessity of adapting photogrammetric methods to varying underwater environments to enhance archaeological documentation.

33 - Bridging Photogrammetry and GIS Through Workflow Automation: A Scalable Approach for Spatially-Linked 3D Data in Underwater Cultural Heritage - Published by the International Journal on Advanced Science Engineering Information Technology

Authors: Julien Fortin, Sam Meacham, Dominique Rissolo, Andreas Rosland, Wetherbee Dorshow This article discusses the development of an automated photogrammetry workflow that enhances the efficiency and quality of data processing in digital heritage and scientific research. By leveraging pre-defined processes and AI-generated scripts, the automated system streamlines image-to-model conversion and integrates seamlessly with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This innovation not only reduces processing time and improves data accessibility but also lowers the technical barriers for non-specialists, fostering inclusivity in 3D modeling and spatial analysis.

38 - Documenting Change on the SS Thistlegorm, Red Sea, Egypt: Using Underwater Photogrammetry to Record Natural Deterioration and Human Impacts on a World War II Shipwreck - Published by MDPI - Heritage

Authors: Simon Brown, and Jon C. Henderson The SS Thistlegorm, a British cargo ship sunk in 1941, has become a popular dive site, leading to increased deterioration and loss of artefacts due to environmental and human impacts. The Thistlegorm Project conducted detailed underwater surveys in 2017 and 2022, establishing a baseline for monitoring the wreck’s condition. The findings highlighted notable changes to the wreck and its surroundings, emphasizing the importance of photogrammetry in documentation and conservation efforts. This approach not only aids in preserving underwater cultural heritage but also sets a precedent for managing heritage sites frequented by divers.

Authors: Dylan S. Davis, Jessica W. Cook Hale, Nathan L. Hale, Trevor Z. Johnston, Matthew C. Sanger Critical data on global human history is found on continental shelves, making underwater investigations challenging due to high costs and specialized needs. A new semi-automated analysis protocol using bathymetric LiDAR helps identify archaeological deposits in shallow waters, successfully re-identifying known sites and discovering new ones.

34 - Investigating the Microarchaeological Record at Underwater Sites: Operating an On-Site Laboratory During the Antikythera Shipwreck Excavation

Authors: Isaac Ogloblin Ramirez, Angeliki Simosi, Lorenz Baumer, Orestes Manousos, Patrizia Birchler Emery , Timothy Pönitz, Alexandros Sotiriou Underwater excavations face logistical challenges and time limitations, with factors like nitrogen toxicity and dive time affecting the process. Effective methods are needed to gather maximum information from small areas. An on-site laboratory, featuring a microscope and other devices, helps identify stratigraphic boundaries and archaeological materials. Three case studies revealed seven stratigraphic layers, facilitating the accurate identification of materials like glass and bone. The laboratory also improved excavation practices and informed post-excavation analysis, especially in the Antikythera shipwreck case.