Change detection monitoring of archaeological sites submerged in shallow waters using remote sensing data: the case study of the port of the Ancient Amathous in Cyprus

Cultural Heritage (CH) monuments are often subject to various environmental threats, with climate change (CC) exacerbating their vulnerability. These historical sites, valuable for their cultural and archaeological significance, face increasing risks of deterioration due to land deformation, flooding, acid rain, erosion, and man-made hazards like illegal excavations. Such threats not only endanger the structural integrity of these monuments but also risk depriving humanity of crucial archaeological information and artifacts, which are key to understanding our collective past.

This article explores a novel approach that leverages the capabilities of satellite-based remote sensing techniques for monitoring CH sites under shallow water conditions. A wide array of data will be used for a more frequent and comprehensive analysis of the site's condition over time, enabling the detection of subtle changes that might go unnoticed with conventional methods.

The case study focuses on the submerged port of Amathous archaeological site along the coast of Cyprus. The site's unique geographical and historical characteristics make it an exemplary model for applying advanced remote sensing technologies.

By integrating satellite data with on-site ground truth measurements (topographical and aerial-born imagery), the study aims to develop a robust framework for the preservation and protection of underwater CH sites. This approach can not only enhances the understanding of the impacts of CC and human activities on these sites but also paves the way for developing proactive measures to safeguard heritage assets. The findings from this study are expected to contribute significantly to the field of heritage conservation, offering scalable and efficient solutions to monitor and protect CH sites worldwide.