In
archaeology,
waterlogging refers to the long-term exclusion of air by
groundwater, which creates an
anaerobic environment that can preserve artifacts perfectly. Such waterlogging preserves perishable
artifacts. Thus, in a
site which has been waterlogged since the
archaeological horizon was deposited, exceptional insight may be obtained by study of artifacts made of
leather,
wood,
textile or similar materials. 75-90% of the archaeological remains at
wetland sites are found to be organic material.
Tree rings found from logs that have been preserved allow archaeologists to accurately date sites. Wetland sites include all those found in lakes, swamps, marshes, fens, and peat bogs.