"An archaeological sub-discipline involving the study and investigation of archaeological sites, deposits and ship wrecks beneath the surface of water in the seas, oceans, lakes and rivers".
Darvill, T. (2003) 'Oxford Concise Dictionary of Archaeology', Oxford University Press. Oxford
Underwater
archaeology is synonymous with maritime, nautical and wetland
archaeology. Maritime archaeology focuses on the scientific
investigation of the relics of past ships and seafaring. Although in
this case, some of the evidence on which maritime archaeology is based
comes from terrestrial sites, such as Sutton Hoo, the majority is below
the water line and within the inter-tidal zone and beyond.
Wetland archaeology work focuses on essentially terrestrial areas that are permanently or periodically waterlogged; examples include peat bogs, salt marshes, river and lake margins and the inter-tidal zone around the shoreline. Such areas generally have excellent preservation characteristics for organic (carbon-based) materials such as timber and bone.
Survey is the methodological process by which information is collected about the location, distribution and organisation of past cultures across a diverse range of areas. The areas related to Marine Survey are split into two distinct areas of work:
- Foreshore/Inter-Tidal
- Underwater
- Maritime
- Nautical
- Submerged Landscape
All diving that is carried out in archaeological and scientific survey projects and expeditions is governed by the HSE Approved Codes of Practice for Archaeological and Scientific Diving. Diving must be conducted in accordance with the Diving at Work 1997 Legislation for those divers who are deemed 'At work'.
A Survey may be: - Intrusive
- Non-Intrusive
- Environmental
- Biological
- Geological
- Holistic
The type of survey carried out depends on the needs of the archaeological project design in accordance with UNESCO Annex, Rule 9. The techniques of the projects should mitigate against the risk of destroying any archaeological evidence.
Environmental surveys concentrate on the aspects of the site and the impact it has had on the surrounding areas. Marine life is often abundant on ship wrecks as it provides an artificial reef. Geological surveys look at the composition of the earth and rocks on which the site is based. This can provide valuable stratigraphy data, especially when dealing with prehistoric underwater archaeological sites, but is more commonly used in Forensic Archaeology.
The Holistic Survey is the most detailed survey that can be completed. It takes into account the entire archaeological site and provides data reports on all aspects of the composition of the site.
The Survey may also be classified as:
- Extensive
- Intensive
The classification depends on the types of research questions being asked of the archaeology and it's environment. Surveys can be a practical way to decide whether or not to carry out an Excavation (as a way of recording the basic details of a possible site) and may also be ends in themselves, as they produce important information about past marine activities in context.
A special type of field survey is the Rescue Survey, used when an area of possible archaeological importance is under threat. This is usually connected to construction work, and is undertaken to decide whether an excavation is necessary or not before work can commence on the site.
A special type of field survey is the Rescue Survey, used when an area of possible archaeological importance is under threat. This is usually connected to construction work, and is undertaken to decide whether an excavation is necessary or not before work can commence on the site.
Research & Planning:
A survey is usually the result of a long period of research and planning. The process will normally start with the notion that an area is worth further investigation, or that a site requires excavation (or that it should at least be recorded in some way). There are several reasons that an area may be considered to be worth surveying. In no particular order, these are:
Artefacts Found:
Locals have picked up artefacts, sometimes found in the local museum but more often in private homes or old buildings such as churches, and it is unclear where they are coming from. Fashioned artefacts are the basis of what is called 'Material Culture'.
Literary Sources:
Old literary sources, in some cases ancient Roman or Greek texts, have provided archaeologists with clues about settlement locations that have not been archaeologically documented. Sometimes the texts may be quite recent e.g. a book on local history that mentions an interesting area.
Oral Sources:
In many locations, local stories contain some hint of a greater past, and there is often some truth to them. It is not uncommon for someone to recall stories told to them by relatives of past generations, that make mention of buildings or areas that they have never actually seen themselves.
Local Knowledge:
In many cases, locals actually know where to find something that is of interest to archaeologists. They may not have reported it, either because it's simply a part of their world, or because they fear intrusion on their land.
Previous Surveys:
In some places, a survey may have been carried out in the past, and recorded in an obscure academic journal. It may have been disregarded at the time, but more recent technologies and finds from other sites might cast a different light on it.
Previous Excavations:
Excavations carried out before the middle of the 20th century are notoriously poorly documented. They were also often carried out in a way that left much of the evidence that the modern-day archaeologist is looking for behind, preferring to carry away only fine pottery, jewellery and statues.
Lack of Knowledge:
In many areas of the world, little is known about the nature and organisation of past human activity at regional level. Even when one or more 'sites' may be known in a particular area, often little is known about the wider distribution of contemporary settlements, and how settlement patterns may have changed over time.
Artefacts Found:
Locals have picked up artefacts, sometimes found in the local museum but more often in private homes or old buildings such as churches, and it is unclear where they are coming from. Fashioned artefacts are the basis of what is called 'Material Culture'.
Literary Sources:
Old literary sources, in some cases ancient Roman or Greek texts, have provided archaeologists with clues about settlement locations that have not been archaeologically documented. Sometimes the texts may be quite recent e.g. a book on local history that mentions an interesting area.
Oral Sources:
In many locations, local stories contain some hint of a greater past, and there is often some truth to them. It is not uncommon for someone to recall stories told to them by relatives of past generations, that make mention of buildings or areas that they have never actually seen themselves.
Local Knowledge:
In many cases, locals actually know where to find something that is of interest to archaeologists. They may not have reported it, either because it's simply a part of their world, or because they fear intrusion on their land.
Previous Surveys:
In some places, a survey may have been carried out in the past, and recorded in an obscure academic journal. It may have been disregarded at the time, but more recent technologies and finds from other sites might cast a different light on it.
Previous Excavations:
Excavations carried out before the middle of the 20th century are notoriously poorly documented. They were also often carried out in a way that left much of the evidence that the modern-day archaeologist is looking for behind, preferring to carry away only fine pottery, jewellery and statues.
Lack of Knowledge:
In many areas of the world, little is known about the nature and organisation of past human activity at regional level. Even when one or more 'sites' may be known in a particular area, often little is known about the wider distribution of contemporary settlements, and how settlement patterns may have changed over time.