Cultural Heritage and Coastal Resiliency: An Assessment of Archaeological Sites in North Carolina

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Matthew J Harrup (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Climate change is impacting archaeological sites on North Carolina’s coast. Sea-level rise and landscape inundation are often emphasized as the primary threat to cultural heritage from climate change\; erosion is identified as the more significant hazard for archaeological sites because of its deterioration of the landscape. A meta-analysis of coastal vulnerability assessments provides a framework for cultural resource managers to address heritage sites under their management. An interdisciplinary assessment applies decadal projections to rank North Carolina’s 5000-plus coastal archaeological sites by vulnerability to erosion and cultural significance, establishing a foundation for near-term planning. Finally, a case study examines a major archaeological site in North Carolina experiencing rapid erosion. Innovative mitigation measures deployed at the site are considered within the context of archaeology and the implications for future research.

Additional Information

Publication

Dissertation

Language: English

Date: 2023

Subjects

Archaeology;Cultural Heritage;Vulnerability assessment;erosion

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