Underwater archaeology combines fields of study including: Anthropology Chemistry Ethnography...

Underwater archaeology combines Underwater archaeology combines fields of study including:fields of study including:

• Anthropology• Chemistry• Ethnography• Geology• History• Oceanography

The majority of underwater The majority of underwater archaeology specialize in :archaeology specialize in :

• The study of the construction and operation of all historic and prehistoric watercraft’s

• Ship wrecks are the main focus of research.

The technology that is used in The technology that is used in underwater excavations makes it underwater excavations makes it

so different from other so different from other excavations.excavations.

The first step is always research.The first step is always research.

After conducting a survey After conducting a survey archaeologists use their boat archaeologists use their boat

that is equipped with electronic that is equipped with electronic detection and computing detection and computing

systems to map the exploration systems to map the exploration area at 30 to 80 intervals.area at 30 to 80 intervals.

For measuring and mapping they For measuring and mapping they use a:use a:

• Magnetometer- detects weak magnetic objects and those deeply buried in the sediment.

• Sidescan sonar- provides an image of the acoustic contrasts on the sea bed.

• Echo sounder- these acoustic sensors deliver an accurate measurement of the depth along the survey lines.

Once the excavators have a Once the excavators have a promising site they go in for a dive.promising site they go in for a dive.

• They construct a series of fixed points as resistant as possible around the site and a line of distance is installed

To remove sediment they use a To remove sediment they use a water dredger or an air dredger water dredger or an air dredger

that is channeled through a that is channeled through a pipe. This is the most delicate pipe. This is the most delicate

phase of excavation because of phase of excavation because of how fragile the first artifacts of how fragile the first artifacts of

recovery are.recovery are.

What is conservation?What is conservation?

• Conservation is the process of stabilizing and protecting cultural property from further deterioration.

• This involves the use of specialized treatments and includes analysis, documentation, and long-term care.

.. Conservators conduct specialized treatments to physically and chemically stabilize the artifacts to stop and prevent further deterioration.

These treatments may be as simple as desalination (removing soluble salts) in water baths, or more complex involving chloride removal by electrolytic reduction.

Conservation of an underwater Conservation of an underwater artifact is a lengthy process.artifact is a lengthy process.

• Each material type requires a specific treatment to become stable, and treatment may vary between a few hours to several years depending on the material type.