Map showing the Florida Middle Grounds, where researchers will search for traces of early human occupation on a submerged late Pleistocene landscape. The flag is from the Gault School of Archaeological Research. Click image for larger view.
Exploring the Submerged New World
October 2-26, 2009
(Expedition dates: July 23 - August 5, 2009)
The accidental recovery of Ice Age animal bones (and, occasionally, artifacts of human manufacture) on the inundated continental margins of North America have underscored the long-established fact that in times past these submerged landscapes were dry land. Because these inundated landscapes were once very extensive, especially around the Gulf of Mexico and much of the eastern seaboard of the United States, scholars suspected that systematic exploration of these submerged settings could yield evidence of a very early human coastal presence.
Finding submerged settings today that still host intact features enabling the recognition of ancient shorelines is a difficult feat, let alone intentionally revealing traces of ancient human existence. Using systematic archaeological methods, our team began that search a year ago in July and August of 2008.
Utilizing an ROV, side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profiler, geological sampling devices, and limited SCUBA diving, our team systematically examined – for the first time – three areas in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico’s submerged Ice Age landscape. These different technologies helped us to successfully locate the Last Glacial Maximum coastline (dating to 22,000 years ago) and several later shorelines, all in a remarkable state of preservation, as well as more than 500 potential targets for future research. These targets included drowned river channels, the intersection of such rivers with various coastlines, perched or stranded fresh water lakes, and numerous sinkholes—all of which might contain evidence of human occupation.
Returning to this area aboard the Research Vessel Weatherford from July 23rd to August 5th, 2009, our team of researchers led by Dr. James Adovasio (Mercyhurst College) and Dr. Andrew Hemmings, will continue to explore in around the Florida Middle Grounds. Using side-scan sonar and a sub-bottom profiler we will map the surface of the seafloor and electronically cut a backhoe trench that allows us to see what the different layers of sediment below the seafloor look like.
Archaeologists diving to 130 feet will stand on an ancient landscape not visited by humans for over 10,000 years. By directly investigating targets found in 2008, we hope to locate evidence of human activities along the edges of ancient river channels and sinkholes. This summer’s project will enhance our previous research and permit new insights into ancient human utilization of the coastal margins in the late Pleistocene.
You can access the Ocean Explorer Exploring the Submerged New World 2009 News Feed here: 
Updates & Logs
Click images or links below for detailed mission logs and updates.
July 28 Log Scientists conducted a remote sensing survey of Ray Hole Springs, in order to obtain good sidescan and sub-bottom imagery of possible archaeological sites.
July 27 Log Ben Wells shares a brief comparison of the techniques and of a terrestrial field project in contrast with the adventurous practices of underwater archeology.
Includes Video
July 26 Log One of the most challenging and exciting tasks is adapting our traditional archaeological methods for an underwater context. Luckily
for archaeologists, underwater survey technology is extremely advanced. Includes Video
July 25 Log Diving to the seabed "ground truths" the information our remote sensing is giving us, and allows us to gain a much fuller understanding of both the modern and ancient Gulf of Mexico. Includes Video
July 24 Log Many people are surprised to know that sea levels rose almost 300 feet from about 18,000 years ago to 7,000 years ago! Includes Video
July 23 Log The first 24 hours at sea: Justin Halteman describes the crew's first day on the ocean, complete with perfect calm waters and skipping fish.
