The early adolescence of coastal and marine geoarchaeology
IAS
Convener:
Ingrid WardECSECS
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Co-conveners:
Piers Larcombe,
Stephen Lokier,
Moyra Wilson,
Juliet SeftonECSECS
Coastal and marine geoscience has a multi-decadal research history and archaeology is rapidly developing its research profile in these environments. Despite a common interest, pigeonholing of groups and studies into narrow, often ‘traditional’, disciplines inhibits collaboration, stifles progress and wastes research resources. Interdisciplinary knowledge transfer is key. There is much to be gained from sharing and integrating knowledge and methodologies between these fields.
Societal motivation for integrated marine and coastal geoarchaeological studies, additional to ‘blue-skies’ research, includes: planning for coastal and offshore developments, with associated regulatory needs to evaluate potential impacts on coastal and underwater cultural heritage.
Marine geoarchaeology comprises elements of oceanography, sedimentology, geochronology, archaeology and cultural interpretation, drawing heavily on both traditional disciplines. This session welcomes papers that either actively link Earth sciences and archaeology or those demonstrating how Earth sciences can advance our understanding of past cultural contexts.
Presentations could encompass: pure geoarchaeology, applied coastal archaeology, submerged palaeolandscape research, relevant sedimentary processes, palaeoenvironmental and other multidisciplinary research, including studies evaluating marine and coastal change at all timescales, the effects of episodic events, and modern processes.