Marine geophysical surveys off Kaverppattinam for archaeological investigations

Abstract

Marine geophysical surveys were carried out in Madras, 1990 in the offshore regions of Tranquebar and Kaverippattinam covering the area between 5 and 15 m water depth. In addition to several isolated objects, a continuous belt of small objects extending parallel to the coast on 8 m water depth is recorded for a distance of more than 2 km between Chinnakudi and Chinnamodu. From the diving operations, it is confirmed that they correspond to heaps of shells (Gastropods) with their relief varying from few centimeters to half a metre. At 11 to 13 m water depth several isolated objects of strong reflectivity are recorded off Kaverippattinam and also off Tranquebar. A shipwreck is also recorded off Chinnamodu but no detailed investigations are carried out since the object is covered with broken pieces of fishing nets and barnacles. Many of the objects recorded at 7 to 8 m and 11 to 13 m water depth both off Tranquebar and Kaverippattinam appear to correspond to manmade structures. More detailed and systematic surveys are to be carried out to map all these features and to undertake the archaeological investigations.