To Sink or Swim: Evaluating Coastal Archaeological Stability through a System of Indices

ABSTRACT

Archaeological resources in the coastal zone are subjected to a variety of cultural, social, and environmental conditions that affect a site’s stability, which can be defined in physical (e.g. structure, geophysical environment), sociocultural (e.g. looting, vandalism), and regulatory (e.g. federal, state, and local mandates) terms. To effectively manage resources within this dynamic environment requires a holistic understanding of what drives stability (or instability) at each site. The systematic development of indices for archaeological site stability aggregates a large number of complex conditions, both drivers and pressures, into a smaller set of key indicators that can be used to evaluate site stability, and to monitor changes over time. This system of indices provides an integrated framework for evaluation of site-specific stability that allows for adaptive management and the prioritisation of resources (e.g. funding, time, staff).

KEYWORDS:

• Indices
• indicators
• coastal archaeology
• archaeological resource stability
• coastal resource management

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jennifer E. Jones

Jennifer E. Jones is a graduate of the PhD program in Coastal Resources Management at East Carolina University. Her research examines cultural and archaeological resources in the coastal zone from the interdisciplinary perspectives. She is currently a Fulbright US scholar in Dublin Ireland, working with the Geological Survey of Ireland, Discovery Programme, CHERISH Project, and the National University of Galway.

Mary E. Allen

Mary E. Allen is a social scientist at Lynker, Inc. and on contract as the socioeconomics coordinator for the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s Office for Coastal Management, Coral Reef Conservation Program. Her research examines the interdisciplinary and human dimensions aspects of coastal resource management. Mary is a graduate of the PhD program in Coastal Resources Management at East Carolina University.

David K. Loomis

David K. Loomis is a professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies and Coastal Resources Management at East Carolina University. His research examines the interdisciplinary and human dimensions aspects of natural resources use and management.