Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Archaeology on the Sea-bed: Marine Aggregate Dredging and the Historic Environment.

Wessex Archaeology

This paper constitutes an initial review of the potential for Palaeolithic and Mesolithic archaeological remains in seabed sediments suitable for use as aggregates. Not all such sediments are liable to be extracted as marine aggregate deposits (MADs) due to factors such as the potential implications of extraction for coastal erosion. It was not attempted, however, to distinguish between the archaeological potential of sediments liable to be extracted as MADs, and that of similar sediments not licensed due to their inshore location. Nor was it attempted to be specific about the archaeological potential of any particular bodies of MAD. Rather, the emphasis was on a general consideration of the nature and significance of the archaeological evidence liable to present in the types of sediment exploited as MADs. The conclusion is that Palaeolithic and Mesolithic remains are likely to be present in and/or on several or many MADs, and may well on occasion be highly significant.