Archaeological methodology and deep water archaeological surveys: challenges and perspectives

We present an overview of the well developed and commonly followed standard methodologies in underwater archaeological research along with recent technological progress in deep water surveys. Our aim is to identify challenges posed by the state of the art marine engineering achievements and to explore perspectives towards an interdisciplinary methodology and concept for the benefit of underwater archaeological research and in the frame of the archaeological deontology.
   Remote sensing marine geological-geophysical techniques enable quite high resolution mapping of the seafloor at almost any depth. Underwater vehicles, manned or unmanned, autonomous or remotely operated, equipped with highly sophisticated scientific devices extend the limits of underwater archaeology to include almost full ocean depths.
   Mutual understanding and close collaboration between archaeologists, marine scientists and engineers is a prerequisite for the best use of technology and experiences for the benefit of deep water archaeology.