Underwater Excavation Records Using Underwater Acoustic Survey: A Case Study in South Korea

Abstract

The most effective method for surveying underwater archeological sites is visually identifying areas with relics or remains through diving surveys. However, during underwater excavations, it is difficult to obtain images in turbid water. Furthermore, on-site diving is costly and time-consuming. Marine acoustic geophysical survey equipment is not significantly affected by underwater turbidity, and underwater excavations often rely on geophysical equipment for surface inspections. This study aimed to improve existing underwater excavation imaging through the application of acoustic survey methods. Underwater surveys were conducted via acoustic marine geophysical survey devices at three historically significant underwater sites in South Korea: Dangampo, Nakwoldo Island, and the Battle of Myeongnyang. At the Dangampo site, surveys were conducted using three different sonar devices—side scan sonar, multibeam echo sounder, and scanning sonar—and the results were compared; scanning sonar was the most effective. The methodology was further refined during excavations at the Nakwoldo and Myeongnyang sites. Results show that the scanning sonar can produce images that are more accurate than on-site drawings produced during underwater excavations, even in turbid underwater environments. Moreover, applied in conjunction with high-frequency geophysical exploration techniques, scanning sonar can significantly increase the reliability of investigations of buried underwater remains and relics.