Acoustic remote sensing for seabed archaeology

In maritime archaeology, acoustic remote sensing technology has traditionally been used to locate and document inundated archaeological sites and shipwrecks. These methods are constantly evolving as technology advances, allowing for detailed spatial investigation and interpretation of submerged archaeological features. In the last decade, the advent of ultra-high resolution sonars has enabled to solve the three-dimensional (3-D) shape of submerged objects providing a valuable tool for recognizing and describing archaeological resources at the seabed. Remote sensing for seabed archaeology developed from sonar systems used in military applications and geological prospection. Modern echo sounders measure physical properties of the seafloor (mainly backscatter) and water depth by transmitting acoustic energy toward the bottom and detecting the arrival times and directions of the acoustic energy that returns from the bottom. Such approaches are rapid in terms of acquisition and provide results that are repeatable and quantifiable, although post-processing is often required to optimize the information.