Malta - Archaeological Survey
In two independent visits in 2002, Pelorus Surveys conducted hydrographic and geophysical surveys in and around Valetta Harbour, Malta.
The surveys were conducted to map sediment thickness as well as to locate any targets that might indicate the presence of archaeological remains within the soft seabed sediments. Two survey techniques were utilised; echo-sounding which measures the depth of water and seismic reflection profiling which generates sonic waves that penetrate into the seabed and reflect from any buried artefacts.
The geological formations were clearly identified using seismic reflection, providing clear bedrock information in water depths of up to 30m.
Many features were identified in the sediments including a submarine sunk during W.W.II, and a pocket of gasified sediments generating gas that could be seen on the echosounder throughout the water column.
Due to the successes and efficiency of the surveys further work is expected in the Naval port for the Maltese Defence Authority. |
