Underwater
archaeology does not always involve excavation, but when
material is removed for detailed study, laboratory facilities
to preserve the artifacts are essential. The miraculously
well-preserved condition of objects recovered from underwater
sites is more apparent than real. During lengthy immersion,
artifacts react chemically with the water and sediments
surrounding them. Sudden removal from the water environment
and exposure to air can set off a chain of chemical and
physical reactions in the objects which could lead to
their total deterioration.
Conservators are specialists who work with
archaeologists to preserve artifacts for study and display.
The conservation of objects takes much longer than their
actual excavation, and the long-term care of a collection
of excavated objects is expensive and time-consuming. Unless
proper facilities and resources are available, it is often
best to leave objects in their underwater environment.
Conservators also work with archaeologists and site managers
to monitor the condition of sites and artifacts left in
place to preserve them for future generations.
