How does underwater Archaeology work?

Underwater Archaeology is the recovery of information from submerged artifacts and underwater sites for the interpretation of past human cultures. Underwater archaeology also includes the interpretation of site and artifact data, in order to generate new information on past human behavior. …

Can archaeological sites be found underwater?

As a result, underwater archaeological sites cover a vast range including: submerged indigenous sites and places where people once lived or visited that have been subsequently covered by water due to rising sea levels; wells, cenotes, wrecks (shipwrecks; aircraft); the remains of structures created in water (such as …

What tools do underwater archaeologists use?

Hand trowels, square units, clipboards, pencils, tape measures, and other hand tools are all used underwater to excavate sites as they are used on land.

What does an underwater archaeologist study?

Underwater archaeologists extensively use historical records such as ships’ plans, logs, and manifests; explorers’ accounts; old maps; and legal, business, and tax records. They also study long-term geologic changes to locate submerged sites.

How do archaeologists study underwater?

To become a professional marine archaeologist diving training is required. The individuals need to enrol in diving courses and become certified divers. To explore shallow seas basic scuba equipment is required. Many universities and museums arrange short courses in marine/nautical archaeology.

Why is underwater Archaeology difficult?

Challenging discipline This illustration shows a remotely operated submersible used in underwater research. And once a site is located, it can be tricky to study. Water is dynamic, and objects are susceptible to its ebb and flow. It can break up materials and jumble them in a way that makes interpretation difficult.

How do archaeologists preserve artifacts?

One of the simplest ways to help preserve your artifacts is to store them in a relatively dry environment. Typically, metal artifacts should be stored in living areas, which are much dryer then sheds garages or basements. Attics are generally too hot for most artifacts.

How is underwater excavation different from land based excavation?

Most people are rather surprised to hear that it is actually easier to excavate underwater than on land once all of the preparations have been made. Underwater, we can float over the site and move in very close to any part of our excavation without actually ever touching it.

Where do underwater archaeologists work?

Marine archaeologists are employed by universities and colleges, local, state, and federal agencies, historical societies, museums, and restoration programs, and in private archaeological consulting firms.

How do I become an underwater archaeologist in India?

The minimum qualification required for pursuing Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Sciences is to pass 12th with a good percentage in the science stream to take admission in one of the best colleges in the country. After pursuing a Bachelor’s degree, an aspirant can also look for a Master’s program.

Who invented underwater Archaeology?

Underwater archeology is a recent discipline, thanks to development and popularization of scuba equipment by Jacques Cousteau and the lesser-known Emile Gagnan. However, as far back as the 15th century, people have made recorded attempts to salvage underwater treasure.

How are artifacts preserved?

One of the simplest ways to help preserve your artifacts is to store them in a relatively dry environment. Typically, metal artifacts should be stored in living areas, which are much dryer then sheds garages or basements.

Are there any methods for conserving archaeological material from underwater sites?

Methods for Conserving Archaeological Material from Underwater Sites Donny L. Hamilton Conservation Research Laboratory Center for Maritime Archaeology and Conservation Texas A&M University Methods of Conserving Archaeological Material from Underwater Sites by Donny L. Hamilton Revision Number 1 January 1, 1999 Anthropology 605

How well are artifacts recovered from a saltwater environment preserved?

Artifacts recovered from a salt water environment are often well preserved but of a very friable nature. In general, artifacts recovered from anaerobic marine environments (i.e., buried in sediment) are recovered in better condition than artifacts recovered

What is underwater aviation archaeology?

In recent years, the study of submerged WWII sites and of submerged aircraft in the form of underwater aviation archaeology have also emerged as bona fide activity. Though often mistaken as such, underwater archaeology is not restricted to the study of shipwrecks.

Why is conservation important when excavating marine archaeological sites?

Bone, glass, pottery, and similar material will, if not conserved, slowly devitrify and, in extreme cases, degenerate to a pile of worthless slivers. For these reasons, conservation must be of paramount concern when the excavation of a marine archaeological site is considered.