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Deep-Water Shipwreck Initial Site Formation: The Equation of Site Distribution

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Abstract

Deep-water shipwrecks and associated debris often sit on the bottom with relatively little disturbance, except for the natural bio-chemical deterioration. The distribution of shipwreck material can often be calculated mathematically as a function of heading, speed, time, and water depth. The Equation of Site Distribution is a method aimed to better understand deep-water site formation and the wrecking events themselves. With the use of a few relatively simple formulas, key elements of a site can be discovered, as well as greater insight of the overall wrecking event achieved.

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Acknowledgments

The author thanks the companies and government agencies that sponsored the many geophysical surveys, ROV investigations, and archaeological studies that contributed to this work: C & C Technologies, Inc., BP Exploration, Shell International, TDI Brooks, Inc., Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) formerly the MMS, the National Oceanographic Atmospheric National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (NOAA OER), and National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP). The author also expresses his appreciation to Daniel Warren, Robert Westrick, Shawn Arnold, Tony George, and Keagan Gopaul for their contributions and input.

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Correspondence to Robert A. Church.

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Church, R.A. Deep-Water Shipwreck Initial Site Formation: The Equation of Site Distribution. J Mari Arch 9, 27–40 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11457-014-9128-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11457-014-9128-6

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