The role of underwater exploration

Since the first large-scale investigation of the Yuan Dynasty shipwreck site in sandaogang, Suizhong, Liaoning Province by Chinese underwater archaeologists in 1992, a series of underwater archaeological investigations carried out by Chinese underwater archaeologists in the past 20 years have mostly been completed through two steps: the first step is to scan the underwater (SEA) area where there may be underwater cultural relics, and make a preliminary analysis according to the results of remote sensing geophysical exploration, Check the possibility of doubtful points of cultural relics, so as to determine the general location of underwater relics; The second step is guided by the preliminary analysis conclusion. The underwater archaeologists use various manual search methods to explore the underwater environment, the types and distribution range of the remains, collect specimens, and finally determine the existence and nature of the remains. However, sometimes, with the identification of insiders, underwater exploration can also be carried out directly without geophysical scanning to confirm the distribution range and nature of the remains. The basic principle of underwater exploration is the same as that of field archaeological investigation, that is, to explore and discover the phenomenon of cultural relics in the investigation area, determine its relative position and distribution range, and make a comprehensive analysis and judgment on the connotation, era and nature of its cultural accumulation.

It can be seen that underwater exploration is the main way of underwater archaeological investigation. It plays a vital role in the confirmation of underwater remains. At the same time, it is also an essential key link of Underwater Archaeology (excavation).