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The Alabama is located approximately 7 nautical miles northwest of Cherbourg in the French province of Normandy (Figure XX). Water depth at the Alabama ranges from 185 feet to 205 feet depending on the tide. Bottom and surface currents are highly variable and run at right angles to the surviving wreck structure. Current speeds range from 3 to 5 knots during tidal change and diving operations can only be conducted during the slack tide which lasts for approximately 35 minutes. During June and July water temperatures at the site range from 40 to 50 degrees F. Air temperatures on average range from 50 to 70 degrees F. The bottom around the wreck site is reasonably flat, except where sediment has accumulated on the wrecks starboard side and scoured out around the port side and stern. The bottom sediments of sand and mud are covered by a thick layer of highly mobile shell hash that can accumulate to depths of almost two feet. Visability is variable and ranges from 5 to 75 feet.

Click on the titles below for further reading on the C.S.S. Alabama artifact recovery efforts.

Artifact Recovery Main Page
Synopsis of Previous Research
Wreck Site Environment
Description of the Vessel Remains
Approved Scope of On-site Investigation 2000
Specific Research Methodology
Surface Support Vessels
Project Personnel
Proposed Project Schedule
Project Equipment