#CLST6 Lets take a DIVE into maritime archaeology and ecology . For my #CYO2 on #ArchMethods, I listened to a riveting discussion from @ArchandAnthPod with Chanelle Zaphiropoulos ( @sharksandwrecks), a MA candidate/scuba-enthusiast from the Univ. of Malta ( @UMmalta) /1
Chanelle’s work lies at the intersection of biology/archaeology/ethics--& as global climate change occurs & weather patterns/seabed topography/sea levels rapidly shift, salvage archaeology & collecting/measuring/comparing marine ecology data are more crucial than ever /2
Archaeology + Social Activism:
Coastal archaeological sites under threat from rising sea levels hold vital clues to past land ownership. Chanelle (w/ the help of volunteers) studies/preserves them after natural disasters in Newfoundland, her home (Algonquin Anishnaabeg land)/3
Coastal archaeological sites under threat from rising sea levels hold vital clues to past land ownership. Chanelle (w/ the help of volunteers) studies/preserves them after natural disasters in Newfoundland, her home (Algonquin Anishnaabeg land)/3
These disappearing sites serve as phys. evidence of historical ownership in land reclamation court cases, affecting 1000s of indigenous Canadians. Well done, Chanelle.
Ms. “Zap” also collabs w/ the Shipwreck Preservation Soc. of Newfoundland & Labrador. Let’s @ her methods /4
Ms. “Zap” also collabs w/ the Shipwreck Preservation Soc. of Newfoundland & Labrador. Let’s @ her methods /4
Context measurements & diverse relationship data--comparing wreckage fields based on location, observing meteorological patterns, listening in on folk/fishermans’ tales--can be used in conjunction w/ mathematical algorithms to predict shipwreck locations! And it has worked! /5
Shipwrecks are pop. ’s 4 sponges/coral/hard shelled invertebrates b/c they provide a durable substrate on which to grow. They also give a definitive terminus post quem for these organisms--a concrete metric by which to measure depth/pressure/temperature Δ’s effect on growth /6
B/c of this, Chanelle views marine ecosystems on historical watercrafts as #major ‘s in predicting growth patterns of natural reefs
The ways in which nature reclaims human cltre is fascinating--& Chanelle is writing her Master’s thesis on how it transformed the HMS Olympus /7
The ways in which nature reclaims human cltre is fascinating--& Chanelle is writing her Master’s thesis on how it transformed the HMS Olympus /7
Studying the HMS Olympus--a N35 Odin-class #WWII #submarine which sank off Malta's coast in 1942--presents several ethical dilemmas
Firstly, it’s a military grave of 89 men. Secondly, its artifacts+structure are now a living, breathing home to 100s of diff. marine species /8
Firstly, it’s a military grave of 89 men. Secondly, its artifacts+structure are now a living, breathing home to 100s of diff. marine species /8
Chanelle doesn’t think it shld be resurfaced--and I agree.
New advancements in Low Visibility Diving tech like Compressed High-Intensity Radar Pulses (CHIRP) & USBL Positioning Systems make artifacts/wrecks possible to study w/o disturbing or damaging the natural environment. /9
New advancements in Low Visibility Diving tech like Compressed High-Intensity Radar Pulses (CHIRP) & USBL Positioning Systems make artifacts/wrecks possible to study w/o disturbing or damaging the natural environment. /9
We’ve also got better Remotely Operated Underwater Veh.’s (ROVs)+Autonomous Underwater Veh.’s (AUVs). Marine archaeologists (not all expert divers) can now safely+actively participate in excavations
Fortunately for CZ, diving has been a passion since her kitty-pool days /10
Fortunately for CZ, diving has been a passion since her kitty-pool days /10
Strong-willed & gritty, Chanelle remarks on her ongoing struggle in a male-dominated diving realm. Although shorter than her peers, a background of ballet & musical theatre (aerobic exercises) allows her to excel in performing cmplx maneuvers w/ hvy. equipment under /11
But alas! During her dives, Chanelle has faced the age old nemesis of every archaeologist, terra aut mare: .
Across the Mediterranean, shallow & easy-to-access wrecks have been scavenged for the ultimate “prizes:” rare art+precious metal objects. But here’s the issue/12
Across the Mediterranean, shallow & easy-to-access wrecks have been scavenged for the ultimate “prizes:” rare art+precious metal objects. But here’s the issue/12
Looters create environmental destruction by dislodging new parts of rusting (corrosive) ships into the sea+damage coral reef ecosystems-major carbon sinks w/ a cascading upwards effect-when they improperly remove artifacts. Plus, the artifacts themselves
can be harmed /13
can be harmed /13
CZ goes through a cmplx desalinization+demoisturizing process w/ every artifact she finds.
Fragile artifacts like glass vessels can burst w/ pressure changes & require expert salvaging. On war wrecks, UXBs can still be live, detonating w/ the slightest movement /14
Fragile artifacts like glass vessels can burst w/ pressure changes & require expert salvaging. On war wrecks, UXBs can still be live, detonating w/ the slightest movement /14
Ms. Z’s combination of archaeological inquiry w/ ecological & ethical questions, non-invasive approaches, has led her to emerge as a leading voice in marine archaeology. It’s inspiring to me, as someone who’s interest in the field started by the sea. Here are some pics /15
I’ve scoured the tidal mudflats & riverbeds of New England for signs of the past. I’ve found pocket watches, hotel tokens, coins, military paraphernalia, glass marbles, and over 2k antique bottles (nearly all pre-1900). I always remove trash/debris when I go mudlarking too /16
Sources (1):
https://archandanth.com/episode-121-interview-with-chanelle-zaphiropoulos/
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ncc-ottawa-gatineau-archaeology-1.4236812
https://daily.jstor.org/do-artificial-reefs-work/
https://neoskosmos.com/en/148723/greek-divers-yield-gold-jewellery-and-more-treasures-from-elgins-shipwreck-the-mentor/
https://www.hellasholiday.com/greece-travel-blog/antikythera-shipwreck-treasures/#.X5MgbJNKhZ0
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_underwater_vehicle
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https://archandanth.com/episode-121-interview-with-chanelle-zaphiropoulos/
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ncc-ottawa-gatineau-archaeology-1.4236812
https://daily.jstor.org/do-artificial-reefs-work/
https://neoskosmos.com/en/148723/greek-divers-yield-gold-jewellery-and-more-treasures-from-elgins-shipwreck-the-mentor/
https://www.hellasholiday.com/greece-travel-blog/antikythera-shipwreck-treasures/#.X5MgbJNKhZ0
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_underwater_vehicle
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Sources (2):
https://www.reddit.com/r/thalassophobia/comments/92r9xb/may_i_present_to_you_the_horror_of_naval_mines/
https://www.seacoastonline.com/news/20190606/fascinating-discovery-canoe-believed-to-be-oldest-found-in-maine
https://www.mun.ca/geog/news.php?id=825
http://www.shipwrecksnl.ca/
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/fish-and-hunt/why-chirp-sonar-is-a-necessity/
https://www.scuba.com/scubagear/
http://www.shipwrecksnl.ca/
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https://www.reddit.com/r/thalassophobia/comments/92r9xb/may_i_present_to_you_the_horror_of_naval_mines/
https://www.seacoastonline.com/news/20190606/fascinating-discovery-canoe-believed-to-be-oldest-found-in-maine
https://www.mun.ca/geog/news.php?id=825
http://www.shipwrecksnl.ca/
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/fish-and-hunt/why-chirp-sonar-is-a-necessity/
https://www.scuba.com/scubagear/
http://www.shipwrecksnl.ca/
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