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Working underwater poses special challenges. One of
the biggest difficulties is communication. Divers cannot
talk casually to each other underwater, so careful
planning is essential before each dive. Specialized
communication equipment can be used on projects, but
that introduces more links in the chain of equipment,
planning, and execution -- more links that can break. |
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Drawing
in stern, bulwark of the Lucerne |
Visibility can be another problem. Sometimes divers
can see only a few feet, making sketching, note-taking,
and other documentation difficult. Photography and
videography are also complicated in the underwater
environment. It is rarely possible to see an entire
wreck at once. Generally only small segments can be seen
at a time. This is why site maps are produced. They
allow us to "see" the entire wreck for the
first time and to see how individual features fit
together. |
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Site
map of Hetty Taylor wreck |
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Often, divers are restricted in how much time they
can spend in the water. When diving in deep water, for
example, the physiology of breathing air under pressure
limits them to short diving periods. Fortunately, the
wrecks being studied in this project are located in
shallow water, so the team will be able to take
advantage of relatively long dives.
Cold air and water can also limit the time
researchers can spend working at a wreck site. Even with
dry suits, cold water can cut working time short. And
cold air can drain the crew of energy between dives.
The conditions and logistics of every project are
different and present unique challenges. By thoroughly
preparing, archaeologists strive to obtain the data
needed to complete their objectives in the limited time
available to them.
Read about the goals
of the project.
To learn more about diving, check out the Madison
JASON pages!
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