Remote Sensing Survey of Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet, Breton Sound Disposal Area, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana
Abstract
A magnetic and acoustic remote sensing survey for submerged cultural resources was conducted over a 1,600-acre project area off shore of Breton Island, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. The project area, which measures a mile wide and 2.5 miles long, encompasses the proposed site of the Mississippi River- Gulf Outlet Breton Sound Disposal Area. The survey was conducted for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, pursuant to Delivery Order 0010, of Contract DACW29-90-D-0018. The proposed disposal of dredge spoil may impact several of the anomalies recorded during the survey. A controlled hydrographic survey was performed over the project area utilizing a proton precession magnetometer to collect magnet data, a side scan sonar to record acoustic anomalies, and a precision echosounder to acquire bathymetry. Real time positioning was maintained by a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) linked to a computer navigation program. Seventy-eight magnetic anomalies and one acoustic anomaly were recorded during the survey. The acoustic anomaly, which is associated with a cluster of magnetic targets, appears to be related to modern steel wreckage. In addition to this target, six other clusters of anomalies were distinguished. Of the seven anomaly clusters, additional archeological investigations are recommended for five. Further consideration of other isolated anomalies is not recommended based on the assumption that a ship wrecking in the Breton Sound environs would disperse over a field of at least 50,000 m2, creating multiple anomalies within a confined area.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA263097
Entities
People
- Danton Kostandarithes
- Jack D. Irion
- Paul V. Heinrich
- Peter Morrison