Underwater archaeologists study a variety of submerged sites, including:
- Shipwrecks – Sunken vessels ranging from ancient wooden ships to modern steel warships and cargo vessels.
- Submerged Settlements – Prehistoric or historic human settlements that were inundated due to rising sea levels or other geological events.
- Harbors and Ports – Ancient and historical harbor structures, docks, and wharves used for trade and transportation.
- Aircraft Wrecks – Sunken airplanes, particularly from World War I and II, that provide historical and technological insights.
- Submerged Caves – Often containing prehistoric artifacts, fossils, or even human remains, these sites can reveal early human migration and adaptation.
- Flooded Mines and Industrial Sites – Underwater remains of past mining and industrial activities that provide insight into historical resource extraction.
- Rivers and Lakes – These freshwater environments may contain lost artifacts, ceremonial sites, or drowned landscapes.
- Battlefields – Sites of naval battles that hold sunken ships, weapons, and other military artifacts.
Each of these sites provides valuable information about past human activities, trade, technology, and cultural interactions.