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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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.
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historical document analysis, visual inspections, and sample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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
