Implementation and Design of a Shallow Water Imaging System.
Abstract
The littoral zone and inner continental shelf represent gateways through which continentally-derived sediment must pass on their journey to the sea. However, our knowledge of sedimentary processes and their spatial and temporal variability in these dynamic environments remains limited because of difficulties working in near shore environments and inadequate shallow water sonar technology. Improved geophysical imaging of the preserved stratigraphy in shallow water regions is critical to determining the transfer functions between high-frequency sedimentary processes and the formation of the longer-term stratigraphic record. To improve understanding of the sedimentary record preserved in the littoral zone and inner continental shelf, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, together with Florida Atlantic University and Edgetech, have developed SUBSCAN, a state-of-the-art Chirp seismic reflection and side-scan system that images both the seafloor and subbottom sedimentary layers in shallow water environments. The subbottom Chirp system sweeps across a broad frequency band (0.5 - 16 kHz) and is digitally-recorded, which will allow us to examine different frequency bands across the same geologic features. Seismic systems operating at different frequencies reveal different reflection patterns, not only because higher-frequency systems have greater resolving capability, but also because reflections are often caused by complex interference patterns between closely-spaced stratigraphic horizons and outgoing signals. Understanding the frequency dependence of seismic reflectors is a critical first step toward determining the origin of seismic reflectors, quantifying reflection coefficients, and assessing the spatial variability of reflectors. The side-scan sonar is a dual frequency (100 & 500 kHz) Edgetech DF1000 system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA348646
Entities
People
- David G. Aubrey
- Neal W. Driscoll
- Wayne D. Spencer
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution