Direct push sensing in wetland (geo)archaeology: High-resolution reconstruction of buried canal structures (Fossa Carolina, Germany)

The Carolingian excavation depth is 6 m below current surface. There is evidence for multiple organic layers in the trench fills, which reveal aquatic to semi-terrestrial stillwater deposition and, therefore, evidence of multiple Carolingian and post-Carolingian ponds. We have evidence for a conceptual width of the deep-buried artificial water course of at least 3-4 m. This allows a passage of Carolingian cargo scows with a payload of several tons in this central zone of the canal.