Underwater archaeology relies on specialized equipment to explore, document, and excavate submerged sites. Some of the key tools and equipment used include:
1. Diving Gear:
- Scuba Gear: Essential for divers to explore shallow underwater sites.
- Saturation Diving Systems: Used for deeper and longer dives, where divers live in a pressurized environment on a support vessel.
- Rebreathers: A type of diving equipment that allows for longer dives by recycling exhaled air.
2. Sonar and Remote Sensing:
- Side-scan Sonar: Creates images of the seafloor and helps identify shipwrecks, submerged structures, or other artifacts.
- Sub-bottom Profilers: Used to detect buried archaeological sites beneath the seafloor.
- Multi-beam Echo Sounders: Provides detailed 3D images of the seabed, helping archaeologists map sites.
3. Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs):
- ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles): Unmanned submersible robots that explore deeper, more dangerous sites. They are equipped with cameras, lights, and manipulators to document and recover items.
- AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles): These are used for mapping and surveying large areas of the seafloor.
4. Underwater Cameras:
- High-Resolution Cameras: Used for taking clear, detailed photos of underwater sites and artifacts.
- Underwater Video Cameras: Allow real-time recording of underwater excavation or exploration.
5. Sediment and Soil Sampling Tools:
- Core Drills: Used for collecting soil and sediment cores from the seafloor to study stratigraphy.
- Grabs and Scoops: For retrieving smaller samples of sediment, which may contain artifacts.
6. Excavation Tools:
- Hand Tools: Small, handheld tools like trowels, brushes, and spades are used for delicate excavation of artifacts.
- Water Dredges: Used for removing loose sediment from excavation sites.
7. Mapping and Surveying Tools:
- GPS: Used for locating specific coordinates of submerged sites.
- Total Stations: For precise mapping and measuring of artifacts and site features.
- Laser Scanning and Photogrammetry: Create detailed 3D models of artifacts or entire sites.
8. Preservation and Conservation Equipment:
- Conservation Tanks: For safely storing artifacts once recovered, particularly for preserving them after exposure to water.
This equipment helps archaeologists safely explore and study underwater sites, preserving both the artifacts and the historical integrity of submerged areas.