Archeology: Archeological Oceanography by Ballard

Archaeological Oceanography (BOOK): by Robert D. Ballard, editor

The sea floor contains thousands of shipwreck sites, many of them dating to the earliest eras of seafaring, and archeological oceanography is an emerging field, spurred by new and developing technology, that's plumbing the depths (technically 300 feet and below, where scuba divers fear to fin) to explore them. Detailing research excursions from the Institute for Exploration in Mystic, Conn., and the Institute for Archaeology Oceanography at the Univ. of Rhode Island, shipwreck sites include the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, as well as the Titanic and the Bismarck.

In 18 chapters, written by different specialists, the book covers five areas. Part one is a lucid tutorial in technology and techniques, including excavation technology and site conservation procedures. Parts two and three discuss the examination of modern and ancient shipwrecks. Part four describes the study of submerged landscapes occupied by humans at the end of the last ice age, and part five is devoted to Ballard's particular goal of developing remotely operated seafloor observatories, allowing real-time site observation by researchers and students. Theoretical material is shown in clear diagrams, and crisp photographs show underwater "in situ" placements of artifacts. Although highly suitable for a college-level class, this volume makes an informative resource for anyone interested in cutting edge archaeology.