#MAREMonday 34

On 02.12.2024 we present the 34th session of our online lecture series with a contribution of

Jordy Moies
(Aix-Marseille University)

Assessing the In Situ Preservation of Underwater Archaeological Sites:
A GIS and Fieldwork-Based Approach

Abstract:

This presentation outlines a comprehensive approach to evaluating the preservation of underwater archaeological sites through both desk-based GIS analysis and targeted fieldwork. My PhD research focuses on how environmental processes—such as chemical corrosion, biological degradation, and physical erosion—impact the preservation of submerged sites. I will discuss a workflow designed to map and monitor these processes, combining open-access data with adapted fieldwork assessments to gauge preservation risks across different marine environments.

The project’s first phase involves GIS analysis to assess environmental stress factors and their spatial distribution, aiming to pinpoint areas where archaeological sites face heightened preservation challenges. The second phase involves data collection from similar shipwreck sites, which were subject to preservation assessments in the past, allowing for an environmental comparison and time-lapse monitoring.By adapting to available resources and project scope, this workflow can be applied to both single sites and regional projects worldwide.