Journal of Coastal Zone Management

Difficulties and Advantages of Underwater Archaeology along with the Demonstration of Invisible Wonders

Elix Rueb^* Department of Archeology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
^*Correspondence: Elix Rueb, Department of Archeology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy, Email:

Received: 03-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. JCZM-23-21099; Editor assigned: 05-Apr-2023, Pre QC No. JCZM-23-21099 (PQ); Reviewed: 25-Apr-2023, QC No. JCZM-23-21099; Revised: 02-May-2023, Manuscript No. JCZM-23-21099 (R); Published: 09-May-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2473-3350.23.26.569

Description

Underwater archaeology is a branch of archaeology that studies human cultures and activities in, on, around and under the sea, estuaries and rivers. It involves the documentation and interpretation of submerged artifacts and sites, such as shipwrecks, settlements, harbors, bridges, wells and cenotes. Underwater archaeology can reveal hidden wonders of the past that are inaccessible or invisible on land, but it also faces many challenges and difficulties.

One of the main challenges of underwater archaeology is the physical environment. Working under water requires special skills, equipment and safety measures that are often costly and time-consuming. Underwater archaeologists have to deal with limited visibility, currents, tides, waves, pressure, corrosion, biological growth and other factors that can affect their work and the preservation of the sites and artifacts. They also have to cope with ethical and legal issues, such as ownership, looting, vandalism, conservation and public access.

Another challenge of underwater archaeology is the interpretation of the data. Underwater sites are often complex and dynamic, with multiple layers of deposition and disturbance. They may also be incomplete or fragmented, as some parts may have been eroded, buried or moved by natural or human forces. Underwater archaeologists have to use various methods and techniques to reconstruct the history and context of the sites and artifacts, such as remote sensing, mapping, sampling, dating, analysis and comparison.

Despite these challenges, underwater archaeology offers many rewards and benefits for the understanding of the past. Underwater sites can provide unique and valuable information that complements or contradicts the evidence from land-based sources. For example, shipwrecks can reveal details about trade, technology, warfare, navigation, culture and society that are not available from other sources. Submerged settlements can show how people adapted to changing environmental conditions and sea level fluctuations over time. Sacred cenotes can reveal aspects of religious beliefs and practices that are otherwise unknown.

Underwater archaeology can also contribute to the protection and management of underwater cultural heritage, which is an important part of human identity and diversity. By documenting and studying underwater sites and artifacts, underwater archaeologists can raise awareness and appreciation of their significance and value among the public and stakeholders. They can also provide recommendations and guidelines for their conservation and preservation for future generations.

The techniques used in underwater archaeology place a strong emphasis on the informational value of the submerged site and the meticulous, methodical approach to data collecting that best safeguards and preserves the resource for present and future generations. There is no way to access the knowledge contained in a place or its artefacts once they have been destroyed or carelessly removed. It is the obligation of resource management organisations having control over freshwater and marine environments to properly carry out local, regional, and state laws requiring the preservation of cultural resources.

There are options for training in underwater archaeology, as well as established methods for risk prevention, for any employer/ employee diving operations. Under the umbrella of scientific diving, which is exempt from several laws that apply to underwater work sites, underwater archaeology is typically considered to come under this category. Universities and organisations that oversee scientific divers have created programmes and standards for diving that are on par with or higher than those set by the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) or other comparable organisations. The requirements of institutional safe diving practises are known to diving safety officers.

In conclusion, underwater archaeology is a fascinating and challenging field that explores hidden wonders of the past under water. It faces many difficulties and obstacles in accessing and interpreting underwater sites and artifacts, but it also offers many insights and discoveries that enrich our knowledge and understanding of human history and culture.