This is an edited volume drawing on the last sixty years of underwater
cave research, the vast majority of which has never been published
previously. Underwater caves are foreboding places, but they hold great
potential for archaeology due to the excellent preservation of organic
artifacts found in caves. Chapters are authored by the principle
researchers responsible for the development of this emerging sub-field.
The volume's scope is international and spans the Paleolithic through
the modern era. It will interest many archaeologists as it touches on
human origins, sea level and climate change, ritual and religion, and
subsistence in many different cultures. Fields outside archaeology, such
as geology and paleo-environmental studies, will find aspects relevant
to their research. With authors who have published popular books such as
Dan Lenihan, Jean Clottes, and Nic Flemming, the book will interest
divers and other members of the public as well.