TED awarded its $1 million prize to an archaeologist who identifies buried ancient civilizations. National Geographic Archeology Fellow and University of Alabama associate professor, also nicknamed "space archaeologist," Sarah Parcak, has been granted the 2016 TED prize to further improve her mission of identifying sub-surface civilizations using satellites originally used by the military.
Cue the drum roll! Our 2016 #TEDPrize winner is space archaeologist Sarah Parcak! https://t.co/i9LMjNE0C3 pic.twitter.com/SJgB6cG2EW
— TED Prize (@TEDPrize) November 9, 2015
Parcak has been identified as a "space archaeologist" for collaborating with NASA's and the Department of Defense's infrared satellite technology to spot where ancient archaeological sites are located.
"The debris retains water at a higher rate than the surrounding landscape," she said, according to University of Alabama News. "Satellite images can detect the higher moisture, and that is a strong indicator for a potential site."
"(I) feel overwhelmed, honored, and excited - and definitely (feel) the weight of responsibility for my field. TED is an incredible organization and this is a phenomenal opportunity to raise awareness about what is happening to our ancient shared heritage," Parcak said upon receiving news of her prize, according to CNN.
Parcak presently renders service in the Middle East in order to both identify and help preserve ancient civilizations from being destroyed.
"Archaeology is experiencing significant challenges right now due to ISIL (ISIS), economic crises, and drops in tourism. Looting and site destruction are global problems. We have a tough road ahead, and one key will be developing more collaborations using new technologies like satellite imagery," she added.
Director General of the Repatriation Department of the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities, Ali Ahmed says the looting and destruction that are constantly happening put ancient archaeological sites at risk.
"We have a major challenge so we are looking for an out-of-the box solution," Ahmed said, according to The New York Times. "and Sarah's work is part of that."
