FEATURES AND RESULTS OF USING PARAMETRIC PROFILOGRAPH IN UNDERWATER ARCHEOLOGY

The article discusses the use of hydroacoustic equipment to solve problems in underwater archeology. In particular, the problems of remote detection and identification of cultural heritage objects hidden by sediments are considered. The indicated problems are solved using a parametric profilograph. The basic principles of the operation of an acoustic profilograph are outlined. The differences between linear and parametric profilographs are given. The principles and features of the operation of a parametric profilograph are explained. The results of hydroacoustic profiling of the excavation site of the flooded Khazar fortress Sarkel are discussed. The methods and conditions for conducting the study are outlined. The parameters of the equipment used are given. The obtained profilograms are presented. Analysis and interpretation of the profiling results were carried out. Characteristic features of the bottom topography and cultural heritage objects discovered during the hydroacoustic survey and archaeological excavation data were compared. As a result, an area that fully corresponded to the description of the excavation site was found. The correspondence was confirmed both by the presence of characteristic features of the relief and by traces of excavations. The ditches surrounding the fortress and the remains of brick buildings were also discovered and identified. The ditches were completely covered with a mixture of sand and silt, so their detection became possible only with the help of a parametric profilograph.