A recent study warns that rising marine storms resulting from climate change could cause severe damage to submerged cultural heritage, such as ancient shipwrecks, statues, and stone artifacts. The study indicates that these risks may increase in the future as extreme weather events become more intense.
The study, published recently in the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences" (PNAS), provides the first comprehensive quantitative assessment of the risks that archaeological sites located on the seabed face due to storms and strong marine currents.
Details of the Study
Researchers emphasize that powerful marine storms generate intense water currents on the seabed, capable of moving large amounts of sand and marine sediments. Luigi Germinario, the lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher in Earth Sciences at the University of Padua in Italy, states that these sand particles act like "sandpaper," scraping the stone surface and removing its fine layers over time.
To better understand this process, the team conducted a series of laboratory experiments simulating conditions that occur on the seabed during storms. The scientists used a flume to reproduce water movement and strong currents in the lab, allowing them to control the water flow speed and sediment quantity.
Background & Context
The seabeds of oceans and seas around the world contain thousands of archaeological sites, including ancient cities submerged underwater, stone statues, and remains of historical ships. These sites represent an important record of human history, helping archaeologists understand ancient navigation methods, maritime trade, and lifestyles of past civilizations.
However, these sites often remain out of public view, making their monitoring and protection more challenging compared to terrestrial archaeological sites. With the increase in marine storms, it becomes essential to intensify efforts to protect these cultural treasures.
Impact & Consequences
Results from the experiments showed that erosion can occur much faster than previously thought; in some cases, a single powerful marine storm can cause permanent changes to the stone surface. This may include the loss of fine details of engravings and decorations that were present on these artifacts, details that are of great significance to archaeologists.
Measurements also indicated that an increase in water current speed or an increase in the size of sand particles leads to a noticeable acceleration in erosion rates. The faster the moving sand particles are in the water, the more energy they strike the stone surface with, increasing their destructive impact.
Regional Significance
The Arab region is rich in submerged archaeological sites, such as the cities of the Phoenicians and ancient Islamic artifacts. With the increase in marine storms, these sites may face further risks, necessitating urgent action to protect them. Preserving submerged cultural heritage is not only a scientific responsibility but also a humanitarian duty to safeguard the history and cultures of peoples.
In conclusion, the international community must intensify efforts to protect submerged cultural heritage and ensure its sustainability for future generations.