Advances in Seafloor Mapping and Sub-Bottom Profiling Systems SBP29 Evaluation and Comparison with Other Sub-Bottom Profilers East Coast, USA and Western Pacific
Abstract
High-resolution sub-bottom profiling (SBP) and multichannel seismic (MCS) techniques are essential tools in marine geology and geophysics, enabling researchers to investigate the complex sedimentary processes and structures beneath the ocean floor at high resolution. These methods provide detailed insights into the geological history, sediment dynamics, and potential resource deposits in marine environments. SBP can help in delineating the presence of shallow gas and can determine whether sub-surface fault zones breach the seafloor. In 2025 we propose to use the R/V NEIL ARMSTRONG to acquire SBP29 data over legacy sites identified in 2024, as well as additional charismatic sub-bottom profiler (SBP) sites and multi-channel seismic (MCS) sites surveyed with the MARCUS LANGSETH in 2023, to survey features we were not able to survey in 2024, and to return to and to acquire SBP29 data offshore the US East Coast to compare toother sub-bottom profilers. In 2025 we will participate in the shipyard installation of a gondola-mounted 3°x3° SBP29 on the R/V THOMAS G.THOMPSON, and in 2026 we will participate in the Sea Acceptance Tests (SATs) of this SBP29and multibeam systems from Singapore to a western Pacific port to-be-determined to acquireSBP29 data over legacy charismatic features, and to continue our work evaluating the ability of hull-mounted multibeam and sub-bottom profiler systems to identify anthropogenic objects on the seafloor or buried in the shallow sub-surface. In 2025-2026 we propose to work with the Coast Guard, NSF and ONR on the acquisition, contracting, installation and testing of a SBP29on the R/V HEALY. In 2026-2028 we propose to work with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) on the acquisition, contracting, installation and testing of a SBP29 on the R/V ATLANTIS. Additional discussions will be held regarding configuration (hull-mounted vs. gondola), and placement on the hull. Given the vessel#s survey for ABS classification schedule, the dry dock for the ATLANTIS is anticipated for late 2026. On the HEALY and ATLANTIS, Orange, shadowed by James Gibson, will again assist with the contract specifications, will observe the installation, and will observe and QC the dimensional survey of the vessel in the yard supported by Scripps and WHOI, respectively, through their SBP29 funding. Orange#s and Gibson#s G&G science are included in this proposal. Orange will be the scientific point of contact for the SATs with the location of the SATs TBD. For both the HEALY and ATLANTIS, Orange and Gibson will acquire SBP29 over features imaged with previous generation hull-mounted systems as well as AUVs, and may acquire data proximal to offshore wind farms if the dry dock, SATs, and shakedown cruise are on the US East Coast. APPROVED FOR PUBLICRELEASE.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 10, 2025
- Source ID
- N000142512228
Entities
People
- Daniel Orange
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, Santa Cruz