COASTLINE WP3_D.3.1 SSS Results Amathounta

Results for the geophysical study that was conducted in the framework of the Coastline’s “Cultural Heritage Mapping and Monitoring” project, having as principal objective the mapping of the seafloor sediments within the Ancient Amathus harbor and identifying any seabed features(obstructions) such as rock outcrops, boulders, marine vegetation etc., occurring within the defined survey area. A total of 16 survey lines were recorded, spanning from ~135m from the shoreline to about ~915m inshore, covering a total of 3.1sq km of side scan sonar data. Based on the interpretation of SSS data, a seabed classification map was produced, dividing the seafloor into two categories: Areas of high reflectivity, composed of constructed foundation possibly related to the ancient Amathus harbor, and occurrence of Posidonia Oceanica mostly degraded or erosionally affected, while areas of Low reflectivity have been attributed to sand.