This document summarizes the results of a study that characterized the submerged prehistoric landscape in Liverpool Bay and the Bristol Channel. Key findings include:
- Paleochannels and past coastlines were identified from 3D data and interpreted using GIS.
- The landscape was divided into areas of high, medium, and low archaeological significance based on the likelihood of surviving deposits.
- Management areas were also defined to guide future conservation, development, and data collection efforts.
- Individual landscape features like areas of higher paleolithic land and glacial features were linked together in a data model within the regional historic environment record.
- Results will be disseminated through reports, exhibitions, education materials and
2. Integration, analysis and contextualisation
The 2D line data was processed in GIS to show the time/ depth attributes
for both Bristol Channel and Liverpool Bay study areas, to show general
trends in the data to complement the individual features identified.
3. Integration, analysis and contextualisation
All the data was then used to interpret the
courses of palaeochannels and past
coastlines
4. Integration, analysis and contextualisation
The digitised features identified in the 3D surveys were exported from
Kingdom into a GIS compatible format
6. Generation of Relative Topographic Maps
Late Palaeolithic Early Mesolithic
Middle Mesolithic
7. Generation of Relative Topographic Maps
Late Palaeolithic Early Mesolithic
Middle Mesolithic
8. Management and dissemination
Making the results of the study accessible to all
Identified audiences include:-
• Strategic Planners
• Aggregates Industry
• Archaeologists
• Local Communities
• Schools
9. Project Products and Outputs
• Technical study report – academic publication
available on-line
• Popular booklet – hard copy circulation and digital
copy internet accessibility
• Web-site – A colourful and attractive site with links
to a whole range of on-line related resources
• Education packs – available on-line for schools
developed to provide teachers and children with
independent learning opportunities
• Exhibition - Talks and presentations to local
community groups across Wales undertaken by the
Welsh Archaeological Trusts, PCNPA and RCAHMW
• Integration of results into Regional Historic
Environment and National Maritime Records
10. A Management Tool
Benefits of a management tool:-
• Provides a framework on which to build future
understanding
• Focuses future investigation
• Enables more informed decision making
• Informs strategic plans
• Guides future conservation and protection
• Guidance future activity and development
11. Future Threats:-
• Off-shore mineral extraction
Aggregates Dredging
• Renewable energy production
• Oil and Gas prospection and
extraction
• Pipelines and Cables
• Etc.
12. Characterising the submerged landscape
and understanding its archaeological and
palaeo-environmental significance
Historic Landscape Character Areas
Colours showing the level archaeological and palaeo-
environmental significance associated with particular types of
landscape dark=high pale=low
13. Historic Landscape Area Descriptions
Example
An extensive area taking in the whole of
what is now Carmarthen Bay and also
land lying off the south Pembrokeshire
coast. It would have been relatively high
ground for much of the later Palaeolithic
and Mesolithic, bounded by a river valley
to the south. It would have been a
seasonal hunting/gathering area, and
there is a possibility that artefacts and
environmental deposits survive in this
area. There are also possibly submerged
caves in this area. This area has been
defined from extrapolated 2D data, and
thus although its general character is
correct, it has not been possible to
identify individual landscape features.
14. Management Areas
Colour shading shows the historic environment significance of
each area dark= high pale=low
Fuzzy edged areas
15. Management Area Information and
statements of significance
Examples
Very High. This is an area where landscape features
and deposits containing archaeological and
environmental information have been demonstrated
to survive. It is therefore advised that where
possible these deposits are preserved in situ.
Medium. An area defined only by extrapolated 2D
data. It is likely that deposits containing
archaeological and environmental information
survive, but available data does not conclusively
demonstrate this. More detailed data, in particular
3D data, may need to be collected if detailed
guidance is required for this area.
17. Data Model: Parent and Child Relationships
Parent Record
Palaeolithic/Holocene
General Introduction to period and patterns of human
colonisation linked to climate change
(e.g. NPRN 518441)
Child Record: Child Record: Child Record:
Area of Higher Land Glacial Tunnel Valley Glacial Outwash Channels
(e.g. NPRN 516100) (e.g. NPRN 516107) (e.g. NPRN 516105)