Using Multibeam Echo‐Sounder Data to Identify Shipwreck Sites: archaeological assessment of the Joint Irish Bathymetric Survey data

Abstract

This paper describes Phase 1 of the project ‘Archaeological Applications of the Joint Irish Bathymetric Survey (JIBS) Data’, analysing bathymetric and backscatter data derived from multibeam surveys off the north coast of Ireland. In particular, the usability of the data for shipwreck detection, identification and site characterization is explored. In Phase 1, the data was screened for anomalous sea‐bed features, which were subsequently described, catalogued and categorized according to their archaeological potential and cross‐referenced against existing records. A planned second phase of this project will examine each anomaly in greater detail together with the local and regional hydrodynamic conditions.

© 2010 The Authors

Key words:

• shipwreck
• Ireland
• multibeam
• marine sites and monuments record

Acknowledgements

This project was supported by the Heritage Council under the Irish National Strategic Archaeological Research (INSTAR) Programme 2008. We thank the Marine and Coastguard Agency, the Marine Institute of Ireland, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the Geological Surveys of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the Loughs Agency and the Agri‐Food and Biosciences Institute for the opportunity to work on these data. Thanks in particular to Fabio Sacchetti, Rob Spillard, Carl Gardner, Joe Breen, Tim Mackie, Claire Vincent, Koen Verbruggen, Karl Brady, Connie Kelleher, Archie Donovan, Brian Williams, Matt Service, Robin Edwards, Tony Brooks and Peter Wilson for advice, help and support.