Rachel Bynoe

Dr Rachel Bynoe is a Lecturer in Palaeolithic maritime archaeology at the University of Southampton, specializing in submerged Pleistocene landscapes and human origins research. Her work bridges terrestrial and marine archaeology to understand early human migration patterns.

• Specializes in submerged landscapes
• Focus on Quaternary environmental change
• Active in coastal archaeology

Her research develops innovative methods for investigating underwater archaeological contexts through diver-led fieldwork, remote sensing, and seabed coring. She leads marine projects at Happisburgh (UK), the earliest human occupation site in northern Europe, using beach finds to identify submerged archaeological locations.

Recent publications analyze Pleistocene hydrology in Namibia, North Sea submerged archaeology, and methodological approaches to coastal prehistoric sites. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration with geoscientists and industry partners.

• Palaeolithic archaeology
• Maritime geophysics
• Geoarchaeology
• Heritage management
• Quaternary science
• Sea level change

She supervises PhD students in archaeology and integrates fieldwork experience into teaching through the Pathways to Ancient Britain project.