Archaeology and Technology in the Deep Sea
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New technologies allow archaeologists to explore the human past in the depths of the ocean, far beyond the 50 meter depth boundary set by SCUBA diving. Using robots and advanced sensors originally developed for other applications, social scientists now are following the path of marine scientists, adapting deep submergence technologies for their own research. Existing Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) allow archaeologists to survey the sea floor to depths of 6000 m. This brings 98% of the world’s ocean floor within reach. WHOI's new HROV will extend this reach to the ultimate depths of the ocean.
These technical systems increase dramatically the number of underwater sites available for archaeological study. Several projects in the past ten years in the Mediterranean and Black Seas have proven the scientific merit of archaeology in deep water and trained an international cadre of archaeologists in the new technology and methods. These projects have also demonstrated that meaningful information can be extracted from sites through in situ sensing combined with precision navigation and control. Data from high definition camera systems, acoustic sensors, and chemical detectors can deliver answers to many first-order archaeological questions. Physical intrusion on sites is feasible via robotics, whether limited to collection of artifacts visible on the sea floor or excavation into lower strata. While an excavation phase may be appropriate for some sites, it should not be assumed necessary for all sites.
Scientists experience shows that it is imperative that work in deep water be collaborative. Projects are particularly fruitful when they bring together as a team technologists familiar with the systems, archaeologists trained in the methods of deep water work, and archaeologists specializing in the period, cultures, and geographical regions pertinent to the shipwrecks. The Greece 2006 trip is an embodiment of these principles.
In addition, a key lesson is that while technology plays a significant part in this work, it must be combined with the research designs, methodology, and insights of archaeologists to form archaeology in deep water into a rigorous scientific practice. Toward this goal, underwater vehicles, precision navigation, and remote sensors specifically designed for archaeology will allow archaeologists to make fundamental discoveries about ancient cultures.
Proposed sampling methods at Colombo volcano and other wreck sites, Summer 2006:
The team will use several different underwater vehicles, mounted with special sensors. We will deploy the WHOI Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) SeaBED to collect high resolution photographs and multibeam sonar data. From these dta, the team will produce photomosaics of large areas, and precise bathymetric maps.
The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research will deploy its Human Occupied Vehicle, Thetis and its Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). These vehicles will carry the WHOI Gemini in situ mass spectrometer, designed and built by Dr. Richard Camilli. The ‘mass spec’ is capable of detecting extremely low levels (parts per billion) of chemicals in the range of 1-300 Atomic Mass Units. The chemical data will be mapped in four dimensions (spatial position X,Y,Z and chemical changes over time). This will tell the geologists and marine geochemists what is happening near the surface inside the volcano, and in the sea water surrounding it.