Mapping of the coastal zone submerged antiquities using an unmanned surface vehicle Case study : Grotta Naxos
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Date
2023-10-29
Authors
Μερκούρης, Κωνσταντίνος
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Abstract
The archaeological site of Grotta occupies the coastal part north of Naxos Town (Chora) Lat. 37° 6'29.92"N Lon. 25°22'33.83"E. Diachronically the vital space of the ancient settlements is geomorphologically bounded by the hill range of Aplomata to the east, the naturally fortified acropolis of the Castle to the south, while to the west it is defined by the islet of Palatia. Several years of archaeological research (1949-1985) have brought to light material remains (portable and non-portable) that document an almost uninterrupted range of successive phases of various periods, from the Late Neolithic era (4500 BC) to the 14th century AD.
With gradual sea level change over the millennia that intervened, a great part of the once residential area nowadays is submerged below the sea. For practical reasons, the designated study area has been divided into two distinct sections characterized by submerged archaeological remains, namely sectors A and B. In sector A, referred to as Grotta Beach, the archaeological remains extend over an area approximately 50 meters wide and 300 meters long, at a depth of zero to -2.50 m., and are in contact with the northern border of the coastline. In the case of sector B, located within the northern basin of the newly established commercial port, the archaeological remains are distributed across an area measuring 20 meters in width and 50 meters in length. These remnants are found at a depth of -1.00 m to -5.00 m.
The methodology pursued in this marine geo-archaeological investigation involved utilizing marine remote sensing techniques. These techniques were employed to acquire acoustic data and visual information, for the mapping of the seabed and archaeological structures through non-intrusive and non-destructive means. The distinctiveness of the study area, characterized by the presence of antiquities in very shallow waters, necessitated a tailored approach. To this end, an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) was employed, equipped with an integrated GPS system, side-scan sonar (SSS), single-beam echo-sounder (SBES), and a GoPro camera.
For the comprehensive approach of the submerged archaeological site data processing was undertaken for the development of classification maps delineating distinct seabed types based on geological, archaeological, and biological attributes. Additionally, photomosaics and three-dimensional models (3D) were generated with a primary emphasis on the ancient structures and their individual characteristics. Finally, side-scan sonar mosaics were constructed for geomorphological bottom mapping and georeferenced mapping of ancient structures to provide a comprehensive representation of the study areas, aiming to ensure a thorough portrayal of the site.
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Keywords
Grotta Naxos, Marine geoarchaeology, Submerged settlement, Underwater antiquities, Sea-level change, 3D modeling, Marine remote sensing, Mapping of coastal zone, Unmanned surface vehicle, Aegean archaeology, Cyclades