A Multi‐disciplinary Approach to the Archaeological Investigation of a Bedrock‐Dominated Shallow‐Marine Landscape: an example from the Bay of Firth, Orkney, UK

Abstract

Investigation of shallow‐marine environments for submerged prehistoric archaeology can be hampered in many localities by extensive bedrock exposure and thus limited preservation potential. Using the concept of ‘seamless archaeology’ where land‐based archaeology is integrated across the intertidal zone through to the offshore, a multi‐disciplinary approach is essential. This approach taken in the Bay of Firth, Orkney uses geophysics, historical archive and ethno‐archaeology, coastal geomorphology, palaeo‐environmental analyses and sea‐level science, and allows a clearer understanding of the landscape in which prehistoric settlers lived. While acknowledging the limitations of the preserved environment, we are successful in identifying areas of archaeological potential on the sea‐bed for both upstanding structural elements as well as sediment preservation that contains evidence for human occupation. This has wider implications beyond Orkney's World Heritage sites to provide a blueprint for similar studies elsewhere in the coastal zone.

© 2012 The Authors

Key words:

• submerged landscapes
• archaeology
• prehistory
• bathymetry

Acknowledgements

Many people have played a part in the success of the project: Keith Budge, Paul Byham, Barry Constantine, David Cowley and the RCAHMS aerial photographic team, Margaret Donaldson, Noel Fojut, Bobby Forbes, Julie Gibson, Harvey Groat, Paul Hart, Kevin Heath, Richard Hughes, Richard Land, Jason McIlvenny, Tom Muir, Louis Munro, Philip Robertson, Ken Ross, Fiona Stewart, Chris Stuart, Malcolm Thomson, Willie Thomson, John Whittaker, Dan Wise.

Funding has come from: Historic Scotland, The Crown Estate, Orkney Islands Council, The Russell Trust, NGS/Waitt Grant, Carnegie Fund, Royal Archaeological Institute, Society of Antiquaries of London, Orkney Archaeology Society, Scapa Flow Landscape Partnership.