Underwater Archaeological Park Research Articles

Seawater Acidification Affects Beta-Diversity of Benthic Communities at a Shallow Hydrothermal Vent in a Mediterranean Marine Protected Area (Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia, Naples, Italy)

One of the most important pieces of climate change evidence is ocean acidification. Acidification effects on marine organisms are widely studied, while very little is known regarding its effects on assemblages’ β-diversity. In this framework, shallow hydrothermal vents within a Marine Protected Area (MPA) represent natural ecosystems acting as laboratory set-ups where the continuous carbon dioxide emissions affect assemblages with consequences that can be reasonably comparable to the effects of global water acidification. The aim of the present study is to test the impact of seawater acidification on the β-diversity of soft-bottom assemblages in a shallow vent field located in the Underwater Archeological Park of Baia MPA (Gulf of Naples, Mediterranean Sea). We investigated macro- and meiofauna communities of the ‘Secca delle fumose’ vent system in sites characterized by sulfurous (G) and carbon dioxide emissions (H) that are compared with control/inactive sites (CN and CS). Statistical analyses were performed on the most represented macrobenthic (Mollusca, Polychaeta, and Crustacea), and meiobenthic (Nematoda) taxa. Results show that the lowest synecological values are detected at H and, to a lesser extent, at G. Multivariate analyses show significant differences between hydrothermal vents (G, H) and control/inactive sites; the highest small-scale heterogeneities (measure of β-diversity) are detected at sites H and G and are mainly affected by pH, TOC (Total Organic Carbon), and cations concentrations. Such findings are probably related to acidification effects, since MPA excludes anthropic impacts. In particular, acidification markedly affects β-diversity and an increase in heterogeneity among sample replicates coupled to a decrease in number of taxa is an indicator of redundancy loss and, thus, of resilience capacity. The survival is assured to either tolerant species or those opportunistic taxa that can find good environmental conditions among gravels of sand.

Geomatics Techniques for Submerged Heritage: a Mobile App for Tourism

The tourism sector is one of the major industries in Italy that has a high impact on local communities in terms of employment and economy. To show the results of a research project highlighting the use of new technology in the tourism sector, the Geomatics Laboratory of the Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria has developed a mobile application for tourism. The case study is "Calarcheo Park", a nonaccessible underwater archaeological park located in Reggio Calabria, near the remains of the old walls of the ancient city of Reggio Calabria (Reghion, dating back to about the VIII B.C.). The main aim of this paper is to describe the process to relive and re-propose the experience of a real immersion through a journey in virtual reality. Particular attention was given to the research part concerning the simplification processes of the models inserted within an app for tourism sector. The concept app includes scenarios (seabed) and objects (Castle and artefact) obtained from three-dimensional models realized through photogrammetric techniques, therefore "heavy" models in terms of space necessary to store them, recall them and possibly process them. Considering the visualization purpose, and the metric precision needed, the 3d models were reconstructed using a rapid method. To minimize the difficulties during the direct underwater survey carried out by a human operator (e.g. limited time available during the survey, accentuated inaccuracy due to human errors), the operations were carried out using an experimental ROV (Remote Operated Vehicles), widely used to explore underwater environments, equipped with cameras to perform photogrammetric acquisition in a single dive. To enhance the results and quality of the 3d model, a procedure to improve the image quality, and optimizing the processing is also described. This work therefore illustrates the possibilities of using 3D models created by geomatics techniques within virtual environments for apps for tourism purposes

Environmental and Benthic Community Patterns of the Shallow Hydrothermal Area of Secca Delle Fumose (Baia, Naples, Italy)

The occurrence of hydrothermal vent ecosystems at Secca delle Fumose, Pozzuoli Bay (Gulf of Naples), represented an opportunity to study the benthic assemblages under the thermal stress of hydrothermal emissions in a very shallow environment (9 – 14 m water depth). In autumn 2016, the macrobenthic community was sampled by scuba divers at four sites located in the Baia Underwater Archaeological Park. Two sites were characterized by vent emissions (one with white bacterial mat scattered on the bottom and one with a yellow substrate around a geyser opening) and two at about 100 m away, used as control. Sediment and interstitial water environmental variables were measured to determine their influence on the structure of macrobenthic assemblages. A total of 1,954 macrofaunal individuals was found, characterized by great differences in abundance and species richness among sites. This pattern was correlated to the dominance of a particular set of variables that drastically change in a very small spatial scale, from one site to another. The control sites, characterized by the highest percentage of gravel in the sediments (19.67±2.6%) and normal level of major ions such as Ca2+, K+ and Mg2+ in the interstitial waters, showed the highest values of sinecological indices. The “white” hydrothermal site exhibited the lowest species richness, abundance and species diversity, influenced by low pH values (~7.6), high temperatures (~37.53°C) and by the highest total organic carbon content (TOC 34.78%) in the sediment. The “yellow” hydrothermal site, with sediment TOC equal to 30.03% and interstitial sulphide ions measuring 130.58 ppm, showed higher values of sinecological indices than those recorded at the “white” site. Therefore, taxonomic analysis revealed a high turnover between control and vents sites. This highlights the preference for hydrothermal vents by a few resistant species, such as the gastropod Tritia cuvierii and the polychaete Capitella capitata, confirming the role of the latter species as opportunistic in extreme environments like Secca delle Fumose.

Underwater augmented reality for improving the diving experience in submerged archaeological sites

The Mediterranean Sea has a vast maritime heritage which exploitation is made difficult because of the many limitations imposed by the submerged environment. Archaeological diving tours, in fact, suffer from the impossibility to provide underwater an exhaustive explanation of the submerged remains. Furthermore, low visibility conditions, due to water turbidity and biological colonization, sometimes make very confusing for tourists to find their way around in the underwater archaeological site.To this end, the paper investigates the feasibility and potentials of the underwater Augmented Reality (UWAR) technologies developed in the iMARECulture project for improving the experience of the divers that visit the Underwater Archaeological Park of Baiae (Naples). In particular, the paper presents two UWAR technologies that adopt hybrid tracking techniques to perform an augmented visualization of the actual conditions and of a hypothetical 3D reconstruction of the archaeological remains as appeared in the past. The first one integrates a marker-based tracking with inertial sensors, while the second one adopts a markerless approach that integrates acoustic localization and visual-inertial odometry. The experimentations show that the proposed UWAR technologies could contribute to have a better comprehension of the underwater site and its archaeological remains.

A marine geoarchaeological investigation for the cultural anthesis and the sustainable growth of Methoni, Greece

Abstract The ‘Evolved GE.N.ESIS Project’ highlights the underwater cultural heritage resources off the coast of Methoni, Greece that could locally drive sustainable socioeconomic growth. An integrated marine geophysical survey, a hydrographic survey, and a GNSS survey were conducted off Methoni, recording six historic wreck sites, artefacts, the ruins of a submerged prehistoric settlement, and the town's ancient harbour/breakwater, as well as the geophysical properties of the underwater environment. The preliminary project results present bathymetric surfaces, backscatter intensity and magnetic maps, drawings, and seismic reflection profiles of the underwater antiquities and of the seabed, all fused in a 3D geographical platform. The results also shed light on the archaeological potential of the site, the nearshore physical processes, and their effect on the underwater archaeological resources. The project outcomes have shown that the establishment of an underwater archaeological park and diving sites at the cultural heritage sites will support cultural tourism development in the area and will have a positive impact on local socioeconomic development. The underwater archaeological park should comply with the basic principles of a site management plan – one that is established in the context of an integrated coastal management plan that identifies the maritime synergies or conflicts among human activities, archaeological resources, and the local environment, and utilises the 3D synthesis of marine knowledge from the project outcomes as a decision-making tool.

Colonization dynamic on experimental limestone substrata: the role of encrusting epilithics favouring boring polychaetes

Polychaetes inhabit all the marine benthic communities and play a significant role in the degradation of calcareous substrates in marine environment. Colonization dynamics of encrusting epibenthos and polychaete assemblages on limestone experimental substrates were studied over a 3-year period in a Marine Protected Area: the Underwater Archaeological Park of Baiae (central Tyrrhenian Sea). Competitive and encrusting organisms replaced the pioneer species, dominating the epilithic community, and increasing the available surface. Polychaetes increased in species number over time. Several boring specimens of the species Polydora ciliata and Dodecaceria concharum were responsible for the bioerosion of the calcareous material. The former species characterized the early stage of the succession, whereas the latter settled during the late stages, together with the nestler species Lysidice unicornis, whose boring activity has been hypothesized. Four different surface trace morphologies attributable to boring polychaetes are here reported and described. The number of the polychaete boring traces increased according to the surface covered by ascidians, barnacles, and bryozoans. The present work provides evidence regarding positive interactions between encrusting epibenthic organisms and endolithic worms.

A tool for evaluating the archaeological heritage vulnerability to coastal processes: The case study of Naples Gulf (southern Italy)

This paper presents a methodological approach for the determination of the vulnerability of coastal archaeological sites to marine and aeolian processes, e.g. wave erosion, temporary flooding, wind erosion, etc. The methodology allows defining different degree of vulnerability, taking into account both the potential impacts of the physical processes and the architectural characteristics of the investigated archaeological structures. The method is based on the application of specific vulnerability matrices, accurately defined for each coastal zone (i.e. the backshore, foreshore, nearshore and offshore) where archaeological sites are actually located. Results allow identifying the vulnerability level of each specific site and the index therefore represents an operative tool for the definition of most suitable management actions for the protection and conservation of the archaeological heritage. In order to provide a first application of the proposed methodology, all coastal archaeological sites located in the Gulf of Naples (Southern Italy) have been investigated. The results are presented as a vulnerability map and highlight as seven archaeological sites present a high vulnerability level, four of which are located in two submerged archaeological parks (Underwater Archaeological parks of Baia and Gaiola). The other three sites (Terma Ginnasio, Pezzolo and Tiberio villas, 1st century BC) have no legal protection and therefore they require priority monitoring programs and preservation actions.

The role of polychaetes in bioerosion of submerged mosaic floors in the Underwater Archaeological Park of Baiae (Naples, Italy)

The study investigated the role of boring polychaetes in the bioerosion of a submerged Roman mosaic floor in the Underwater Archaeological Park of Baiae (Naples, Italy). Three boring species, Dodecaceria concharum, Polydora ciliata, and Pseudopolydora antennata, were found. The initial colonization phases of boring polychaetes were investigated on experimental limestone panels placed underwater in the same marine area. The results showed that the ecological succession was characterized by a first stage of colonization with abundant spionids and a second stage with a boring mature community dominated by D. concharum. The study of silicone casts of the bored traces allowed confirmation that the ichnospecies belonging to the ichnogeneraMaeandropolydora could be attributed to the action of spionid worms, whereas D. concharum is able to produce tongue- and ribbon-shaped borings (ichnogenus Caulostrepsis), and variously contorted galleries (ichnogenus Maeandropolydora) by settling inside borings produced by other polychaetes and increasing the complexity of the gallery system by modifying them. The study of the epilithic polychaete community highlighted that the site is characterized by a low hydrodynamism. Therefore, the most suitable in situ preservation interventions would be the covering of the mosaics with sand layers or geotextiles.

Are underwater archaeological parks good for fishes? Symbiotic relation between cultural heritage preservation and marine conservation in the Azores

The Underwater Archaeological Parks (UAP) of the Azores are a cultural heritage protection initiative and an opportunity to promote fruition between archaeological sites and biodiversity. Respecting UNESCO’s “Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage” principles, the UAPs were classified for the first time in 2005 and are unique in the Portuguese context. Due to the autonomy that this ultra-peripheral European Region has in terms of cultural heritage management, this structure arises from a specific law in 2005 formulated by initiative of the Azores Regional Government. At the same time, the archipelago’s marine biodiversity richness has become one of the most attractive elements for tourism in the islands.The main goal of this paper is to reflect on these two important identity elements of the Azores: on a cultural and environmental level. We try to understand if there is any interaction and symbiotic relation between the UPAs and their growing biodiversity due to the classification. For this purpose, the Angra UAP in Terceira and Dori UAP in S. Miguel will be presented.In both cases, the cultural element was mandatory for the classification and protection of the sites. This first attempt to combine marine biota data together with archaeological data proposes to create a precedent. In fact, the empirical perception of archaeologists, biologists and divers who visit the parks is that the biodiversity has increased with the protection measures. However, we need elements that are more accurate in order to define that.The main goal of this paper is to identify the marine species present in Angra for the first time. It will also create a reference for future evaluation regarding the symbiotic relation between the two UAP dimensions. We believe this has a positive effect on the defence of the natural and cultural heritage of the Azores.

Antifouling coatings for underwater archaeological stone materials

This research is part of the Italian national project entitled COMAS (Planned COnservation, “in situ”, of underwater archaeological artefacts), concerning the degradation phenomena occurring during the permanence of archaeological items in underwater environment and their conservation in situ by means of new methodological approaches. One of the activities within the project was devoted to the formulation and testing of products for the conservation of stone materials against biofouling, which is the most aggressive degrading agent in underwater environment. This research has been focused on the application of metal oxide nanoparticles on stone surfaces. They have been dispersed in siloxane wax in order to bond the nanoparticles to the stone, and to make it possible to apply the mixture directly underwater. Several formulations have been prepared, applied on marble specimens, and tested in laboratory to check the hydrophobicity and the colorimetric variation induced by the products. Moreover, treated specimens have been hold in underwater environment for two years, to study the bio-colonization on treated surfaces. The underwater archaeological park of Baia (Naples, Italy) in the area of the Villa con ingresso a protiro, has been chosen for the in situ tests. Transmitted light optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with microanalysis (EDS) were used to study the biological colonization and the interactions with treated and untreated stone specimens, observed in different exposure periods. Results showed a significant slowdown of the biological colonization on treated surfaces.

Studying the Cannons of Punta Santa Anna, Spain: In Situ Conservation, Promoting Public Access, and Monitoring Iron Corrosion

The 2001 UNESCO convention for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) encourages and supports projects that would make accessible to the general public underwater cultural sites. Since 2010 the Catalonian Federation of the World Underwater Federation (FECDAS), have been developing outreach activities with the objective of promoting the protection of the UCH among recreational scuba divers. The purpose of this paper is to introduce one such project, the Punta Santa Anna in Blanes, Spain. This project has three objectives: the promotion of UCH to the general public, the in situ protection of this underwater archaeological site, and a case study on iron corrosion processes. FECDAS/CMAS will create an underwater archaeological park where recreational scuba divers will be able to visit some purposely selected archaeological iron cannons. To expose UCH to the general public will potentially affect the integrity of these artefacts. This risks potential damage and so, with the objective of minimizing potential threats, a series of protective measures and a systematic monitoring programme have been planned. The programme is designed to study the relationship between the underwater environment and the artefacts. The aim is to acquire a better understanding of the corrosion processes of iron objects present in marine underwater sites.

Impact and colonization dynamics of the bivalve Rocellaria dubia on limestone experimental panels in the submerged Roman city of Baiae (Naples, Italy)

The present study describes the role of the bivalve Rocellaria dubia Pennant, 1777 in the bioerosion process of submerged limestone artificial panels. The research was carried out in the central Mediterranean sea, in the Underwater Archaeological Park of Baiae (Naples, Italy). During the three year experimental period, the panels were submerged at 5 m depth and sequentially removed after 12, 24 and 36 months. R. dubia boreholes strongly affected stone material. The rate of bioerosion increased over time. After 36 months settlement still occurred with hundreds of boreholes and the shells were up to 13 mm in length. The results obtained concerning the impact of R. dubia on the experimental panels help to evaluate the bioerosive role of this species on submerged calcareous archaeological structures.

Bioerosion of submerged lapideous artefacts: Role of endolithic rhizoids of Acetabularia acetabulum (Dasycladales, Chlorophyta)

The endolithic activity of the green alga Acetabularia acetabulum (Linnaeus) P.C. Silva, 1952 (Ulvophyceae, Dasycladales, Polyphysaceae) was documented on different lithotypes recovered in the Underwater Archaeological Park of Baiae (Naples). The results show that rhizoids of A. acetabulum penetrate several micrometres deep into marble and limestone creating characteristic ramified boreholes, while they colonized only the surface of brick.Resin casts of tunnels bored by rhizoids, known as the ichnospecies Fascichnus grandis Radtke, 1991, were described in detail.The study reports for the first time the significant role of A. acetabulum in the bioerosion process of underwater archaeological artefacts.

Impact of the sipunculan Aspidosiphon muelleri Diesing, 1851 on calcareous underwater Cultural Heritage

This research involves the study of the bioerosion on mosaic fragments recovered from the Underwater Archaeological Park of Baiae (Naples, Italy) caused by the boring sipunculans (Protostomia) and represents the first report of damage by Aspidosiphon muelleri Diesing 1851 on submerged Cultural Heritage. The present study defines the role of this organism in the deterioration of archaeological artefacts. The characteristic traces produced by the action of these organisms on stone materials are described. A set of criteria was established to distinguish the traces of these organisms from those produced by Polychaetes and Clionaid sponges.

Mosaic marble tesserae from the underwater archaeological site of Baia (Naples, Italy): determination of the provenance

This paper is focused on defining the geographic provenance of eight marble tesserae of archaeological interest used for the opus sectile floor slabs of the Villa con ingresso a protiro , located in the Roman underwater Archaeological Park of Baia (Naples, Italy). Geochemical, isotopic and petrographic data show that Carrara, Thasian and Docimium/Afyon marbles were used in manufacturing the mosaic constituting the floor slabs of the Roman Villa.

Role of the microboring marine organisms in the deterioration of archaeological submerged lapideous artifacts (Baia, Naples, Italy)

Endolithic microorganisms responsible for micro-erosion of submerged archaeological artifacts, found in the Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia (Naples) were analyzed. SEM observations show that the process of bioerosion involves carbonate substrates related to endolithic activity by chemotrophic and phototrophic microflorabiota. Embedding casting procedure with polyester resins permitted the identification of five different micro-borer traces, corresponding to two species of cyanobacteria, one species of green algae, one species of fungi and to a clionaid sponge (ichnogenus Entobia). Traces of the green alga Ostreobium quekettii were found to dominate in all samples. The data confirm that endolithic cyanobacteria, chlorophytes and fungi together with macroboring organisms due to the growth of clionaids and bivalves play a significant role in biodeterioration processes of submerged calcareous artifacts.

Multiple approaches to identify bacteria in archaeological waterlogged wood

Abstract This study was carried out in collaboration with Soprintendenza del Mare (SM) that started, since 2004, to plan and realize underwater archaeological parks, such as in the Sicilian islands of Pantelleria (Gadir), Levanzo (Cala Minnola), Ustica (Falconiera), Panarea (Basiluzzo) and Filicudi (Capo Graziano). In situ conservation, as well as virtual exhibitions of the same topics, can contribute to ensure the protection and best fruition of underwater cultural heritage. The focus of this study was the identification of bacterial colonies in waterlogged wood samples from the rostrum of a excellent workmanship, that is very likely one of the wrecks attributed to Sextus Pompey fleet (36 BC) and discovered in Acqualadroni, Messina, Sicily, Italy (2008). Samples were analyzed by light and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), in vitro culture and molecular technique (DNA base techniques). The results, focused on bacterial consortia, allowed us to reveal the presence of Pseudomonas sp., Sphingomonas sp., Xanthomonas sp. besides Marinobacter sp. and Desulforudis audaxviator. A prompt and accurate characterization of bacterial colonization represents one of the preliminary step in preservation/restoration projects, especially for waterlogged wood since the metabolic activity of specific bacteria induce and accelerate the deterioration processes. Although it is reported in a case study, this multiple approach is useful for reveal and identify bacterial colonizing both organic and inorganic artifacts.

Survey Results from Lagos Bay, Portugal

The Projecto de Carta Arqueologica Subaquatica do Concelho de Lagos (PCASCL) aimed to locate, identify and protect existing underwater cultural heritage within the district's coastal area. This project was based on a five-phase methodology which included archival research, assessment, survey and conservation. PCASCL resulted in the discovery of five shipwrecks and several artefacts which were added to the Portuguese archaeological record. This also led to the development of a secondary project which focused on one of the five shipwrecks as well as proposals for an underwater archaeological park in Lagos.

A project for the creation of an underwater archaeological park at Apollonia, Libya

A project for the creation of an underwater archaeological park at Apollonia, Libya

New Evidence for the Submerged Ancient Harbour Structures at Tolmetha and Leptis Magna, Libya

Surveys carried out in 2009, during a project for the creation of three underwater archaeological parks in Libya, have allowed archaeologists both to analyse already known ancient structures and to discover new evidence about the harbour areas of the ancient cities of Tolmetha and Leptis Magna. © 2012 The Author