is there any course called marine archaeology?

Answer 1

Marine ( Underwater ) Archaeology


Maritime archaeological studies in India

Sundaresh, A. S. Gaur, Sila Tripati
Marine Archaeology

Marine archaeology deals with the identification and interpretation of physical traces from the past. An interdisciplinary study that uses inputs from archaeology, epigraphy, archives, geology, marine geology and oceanography (specifically sea level and shoreline changes), marine archeology is all about reconstructing the history of past civilizations. The history of shipbuilding and the nature of trans-oceanic trade and commerce are some of the specific activities that marine archeologists have been able to reconstruct, based on their excavations in various parts of the world.

We, at the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa have carried out underwater explorations along the Indian coast since . The most important site is Dwarka, because it is considered as one of the four Dhamas of Hindu religion, and also because it is one of the best-studied underwater sites in India. The important findings off Dwarka includeA large number of stone structures consisting of semi circular, rectangular and square shapes were noticed between water depth of 3 and 7 m and occurrence of more than 120 stone anchors of various types. These finds suggest that Dwarka was one of the most important and busy ports during historical and medieval periods. Boats from different parts of the world used to visit this port.

Bet Dwarka, another important site situated 30 km north of Dwarka, yielded the remains dating back to the early 2nd millennium BC. Shell industry was the major source of the economy at Bet Dwarka Island. Later, during historical period boats from the Mediterranean Sea visited Bet Dwarka Island as evident from various underwater findings which include amphorae and lead anchors.
Somnath, situated about 210 km east of Dwarka, is a contemporary site of Dwarka. Underwater investigations off Somnath revealed a large number of stone anchors of ringstone type between 7 to 13 water depth, appears to be an anchorage point.. These anchors are similar to those found from Dwarka and Oman, dated back to early medieval period. Marine archaeological investigations at Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg on Maharashtra coast revealed stone anchors similar to those reported from Dwarka and Bet Dwarka.

On the east coast of India, the first site was explored was Poompuhar, a famous Chola port town during the early centuries of the Christian Era. Underwater investigations revealed the evidence of the partial destruction of an ancient settlement, as a large quantity of potsherds have been found from 5 to 7 m water depth. The main reason for the submergence of township is the coastal erosion and sea level fluctuation.
The underwater investigations off Mahabalipuram, the famous centre of Pallava art and architecture, revealed a large number of man-made structures including walls, square structures, steps etc. at a depth of 5 to 8 m about 500 m off Shore temple. Local traditions and foreign accounts make vivid references to the submerged ancient city and its temples. The possible date for construction of the remains off Mahabalipuram has been suggested to be 6th century AD. The severe coastal erosion and minor sea level fluctuations are reported to be responsible for the submergence of these structures.
An another important component of the marine archaeological research is the study of ancient shipwrecks. The study of shipwrecks helps to reconstruct the history of boat building, trade and commerce and trade routes etc. Shipwreck at Sunchi reef dating back to the17th century, obviously belong to Portuguese period and the paper reports of iron cannon, hippopotamus teeth, elephant tusk, granite blocks, porcelain ware. Second wreck from late 19th century discovered near St George's Reef was of a ship that belonged to Basel Mission Company. A large number of artifacts such as bricks, tiles, drum, capital etc intended for house construction, were found from this wreck.

During the course of underwater investigations at Poompuhar, a shipwreck was noticed at 19 m water depth. it is a wooden hull with a thin copper sheet nailed at the bottom of the ship. The wreck is spread over to 32 m in length and 16 m in width and exposed to 1.76 m above the seabed. The main cargo of the ship probably was the lead ingot. The manufacturer of the lead ingot, bearing inscription W: BLACKETT, was the William Blackett company from UK during 17th to 19th Centuries. These ingots seem to have derived from English mines. They were the main lead producer during late 18 and 19 Centuries. These ingots are similar to one those found in The Netherlands and Sumatra. A cannon and gun-powder boxes are found in the wreck probably kept in the ship for the security purpose.
Our present explorations at Dwarka, Bet Dwarka, Somnath, Poompuhar, Mahabalipuram and Goa suggest that Indian coast (which has 5000 years old maritime tradition) hold vast potential for the marine archaeological studies. Marine archaeology also provide data on coastal behaviors such as erosion, sedimentation and sea level changes. Harbour engineering, overseas routes and exploitation of marine resources are some of the most important contribution from our ancestors needs to be studied in detail. These studies are of great importance for preservation of our underwater cultural heritage for understanding the past to the future generation and educational value.



National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)
Dona Paula - 403 004, Goa, India
EPABX : +91 (0) 832 - 2450450; Fax : +91 (0) 832 - 2450602 & 2450603
e-mail : [e-mail] ; Grams : Oceanology, Panaji


http://www.nio.org/jsp/indexNew.jsp

Answer 2

I'm in college right now, hoping to work as a marine biologist at some point. I'm a biology major and my school offers a marine bio minor. I'm getting my scuba certification this semester and will be going to Rockport, MA as well as Key Largo in Florida to look at the underwater habitats there. Getting involved is the first step. Build up some good references, travel to new place, and then go for an internship. There's an internship opening in Gloucester, MA for whale research. I hope this helps a little!

Answer 3

Looking for Atlantis? =)

But, I also agree. I don't know if I've heard it before, but I can't help but think there has to be. In today's world you can pretty much find a job in any type of field. Plus, with all of the sunken ships around the world, as well as communities that have become submerged due to various natural disasters I can't help but think there has to be. It certainly does sound unique, good luck!

Answer 4

I believe there is.