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The ROV JASON JR. peers into stateroom U. of Titanic wreck in July of 1986, just nine months after the ship's discovery. (Photo courtesy of WHOI Archives, © Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)
Ocean archaeology is the study of human history through the investigation of shipwrecks, sunken settlements, and other submerged remains. This field offers a fascinating journey into our past through underwater treasures that contain a wealth of stories about human exploration, trade, and creativity. Every dive reveals incredible insights into our shared history, allowing a chance to connect with narratives that have long been hidden beneath the surface.
Researchers employ advanced technologies, such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), sonar, and deep-sea imaging systems, to investigate the ocean floor and recover archaeological information. These tools have enabled the documentation of both ancient and modern maritime history. Notable discoveries include the wreckage of Air France Flight 447, which crashed in 2009 and was located approximately 2.5 miles deep in the Atlantic Ocean; the Antikythera shipwreck from ancient Greece; and the remains of the RMS Titanic.
In addition to high-profile discoveries, underwater archaeologists study areas that are rich in material. The shallow waters of Massachusetts' Stellwagen Bank create treacherous conditions that change unexpectedly, leading to numerous shipwrecks.
Articles Related to Underwater Archaeology
From Oceanus Magazine
Five marine animals that call shipwrecks home
Re-envisioning Underwater Imaging
Inside the Sunken USS Arizona
Why Did the El Faro Sink?
A Luxury-Laden Shipwreck from 65 B.C.
Farewell to the Knorr
High-tech Dives on an Ancient Wreck
News Releases
Forty years after the Titanic discovery, WHOI continues to advance ocean research and exploration
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution releases rare video footage from the first submersible dives to RMS Titanic
New Details on Discovery of San Jose Shipwreck
Re-envisioning Underwater Imaging
Ancient Skeleton Discovered on Antikythera Shipwreck
WHOI Technology Used in Locating El Faro Data Recorder
Marine Archaeologists Excavate Greek Antikythera Shipwreck
Stunning Finds from Ancient Greek Shipwreck
News & Insights
What happens to natural gas in the ocean?
WHOI-assisted study finds ocean dumping of DDT waste was “sloppy”
Examining Connections Between the Ocean and Human Health
How Long Does Plastic Persist in the Ocean?
The many lifetimes of plastics
Forged in fire: WHOI recalls the Deepwater Horizon crisis
Summer’s coming: Will Cape Cod beaches be safe?
WHOI in the News
It’s the Golden Age for shipwreck discoveries. Why?
The locations of these shipwrecks are no longer a secret
How eDNA Might Transform the Search for Missing Service Members
Is This New England’s Oldest Known English Shipwreck?
‘Mysterious Boxes’ Are Washing Up On Texas Beaches. What Are They?
A New Ship’s Mission: Let the Deep Sea Be Seen
Features
The shallow waters of the Stellwagen Bank create treacherous conditions that change unexpectedly and have led to numerous shipwrecks that…
Stellwagen Bank, an underwater plateau off Boston, is a biological hotspot and key fishing ground. It's a prime whale-watching spot…
The RMS Titanic was a passenger and mail ship that hit an iceberg on its maiden voyage on April 14,…
On April 4, 2011, a search team led by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) located the wreckage of the…
The site of the Antikythera Wreck holds the remains of a Greek trading or cargo ship dating from the First…
The Royal Mail Ship (RMS) Titanic was designed to be one of the greatest achievements of an era of prosperity,…
In July 1986, nine months after their discovery of the wreck of RMS Titanic, the Deep Submergence Laboratory (DSL) team…
The wreck of Titanic was located in 1985 by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s new imaging vehicle Argo on its…