Archaeological wood – decomposition and preservation in terrestrial and marine environments

Submerged shipwrecks are a unique part of our cultural heritage.

Together with other wooden archaeological remains, they are incorporated in the marine carbon cycle where wood material are totally decomposed by biological, physical and biochemical processes.

Fundamental understanding on biological, physical and biochemical processes that affect the shipwreck are of vital importance for successful long term preservation of wooden constructions within the marine environments.