A: Rescue or salvage archaeology, according to UW-Madison anthropology Professor Sissel Schroeder, is undertaken under two major circumstances: ?The first is when an archaeological site has already been inadvertently damaged through construction, mining, quarrying, or other forms of ground disturbance,? she explained. ?The second is when some kind of construction or other form of disturbance is planned, including proposed dams that will cover sites with water.?