The impact of tropical cyclones on the archaeological record : an Australian example

This paper describes the impact of two recent tropical cyclones on the coast and archaeological record at Upstart Bay, North Queensland. Resurveys of Upstart Bay following cyclone 'Charlie' in 1988 and cyclone 'Aivu' in 1989 indicate that considerable damage and even total destruction of late Holocene shell middens has occurred as a direct result of the destructive winds and storm surges associated with these cyclones. Of a total of 93 archaeological sites recorded at Upstart Bay during baseline studies in 1987, more than 50% have now been destroyed. This research raises questions about the effect of cyclones on site preservation throughout prehistory and their likely impact in the future under 'greenhouse' conditions. This study has important implications for the future management of cultural resources in the coastal zone.