High Resolution Bathymetry and Backscatter of a High-Frequency Test Area
Abstract
High-resolution multibeam bathymetry was collected in the SAX99 study area (18 m deep, offshore western Florida) prior to instrument deployment to ensure that moorings were located within a uniform region. The multibeam data defined a region of similar bottom type on a ridge between two muddy depressions, and the moorings were deployed on the ridge. Analysis of backscatter patterns from the 300 kHz EM3000 multibeam echosounder show that backscatter at 15 to 30 degrees from vertical on the ridge is higher on east-west tracks than on north-south tracks. This is due to the presence of east-west trending wave-generated ripples with amplitudes of about 15 cm and wavelengths of about 75 cm on the ridge, with backscatter being higher when the sound beams are perpendicular to the ripples. The backscatter patterns on multi beam records may thus be used for determining the presence and orientation of small-scale topographic relief.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 10, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA395053
Entities
People
- Roger D. Flood
Organizations
- Stony Brook University