The Pavlopetri Underwater Archaeological Project Geophysical Survey: Season 2010
Survey: Geophysical survey
The overall aim is to outline the history and development of the submerged prehistoric town at Pavlopetri (just off the Pounta shore, opposite the island of Elaphonisos) and, through systematic study of the geomorphology of the area, to explain how the town and the Strait of Elaphonisos became submerged. A new stereo-photogrammetric system of underwater mapping was tested alongside continued digital survey of the structural remains using a shore based Total Station, and more extensive use of the KongsbergMesotech MS 1000 Sector Scan Sonar. The MS 1000 provides instantaneous high resolution seafloor scans consisting of 3-D point cloud data comparable to that produced by terrestrial laser scanners. 214 drops were carried out, covering the entire site. Sonar scan radii used for the submerged structures at Pavlopetri ranged from 100 m scans of building complexes (covering a total sea floor area of 31,000 m2 ) to very high resolution 5 m scans of areas of importance such as cist graves. Radii of 15 to 30 m were most effective in producing measured scans of individual buildings in which the individual stones used in the walls were visible. All of the standing structural elements of the site — buildings, streets, courtyards, walls and graves — were recorded in three dimensions, alongside the topography of the seabed. The data produced by the sector scan sonar can be manipulated in 3-D environments to produce isometric images of the building complexes. In 2010 priority was given to recording areas containing structures of the highest archaeological importance. A total of 47 dives gathered more than 135,000 pairs of stereo images. Over 9,000 m2 of new structures were discovered in 2009 emerging from the sand to the north of the original remains, while in 2010 a further 5,000 m2 of buildings were found to the south.
Active in 2010.