A multi-scalar approach to marine survey and underwater archaeological site prospection in Murujuga, Western Australia

During the past 20,000 years approximately one-quarter of continental landmass Australia was inundated by postglacial sea-level rise, submerging archaeological evidence for use these landscapes. Underwater sites can offer substantial insights into lifeways and adaptations to rapidly changing environments, however vast scale inundation presents a range challenges in discovering such sites. Here we present suite methods as model methodology locating submerged Priority areas survey were based on palaeoenvironmental contexts determined from onshore record. Remote sensing used identify seabed composition indicators palaeolandscapes where high potential human occupation site preservation could be identified Murujuga (or Dampier Archipelago), northwestern Australia. Target locations surveyed scientific divers test presence material. Application this resulted discovery first two confirmed sub-tidal ancient Aboriginal Australia's shelf. Survey are discussed their combined value different classes landscapes features support future underwater prospection.