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Seafloor Mapping Techniques & Technologies
The character of the seafloor is mapped by collecting and interpreting complex data sets. Sonar- or acoustic- systems are used to map the physical structure of the seafloor. A research vessel, equipped with specialized technologies, maps a band or swath of seafloor perpendicular to the vessel's track. Technologies employed include sidescan sonar to characterize surficial geology by measuring backscatter intensity, swath (or multibeam) bathymetric sonar to measure water depth (resulting in high resolution maps of seafloor topography), and sub-bottom or seismic reflection sonar to provide a picture of sub-surface sediment layers.
Data gathered from sonar technologies are only as good as the ground-truth data. Equipment, such as US Geological Survey's SEABOSS (SEABed Observation and Sampling System), SCUBA, sediment profile imagery, and remotely operated vehicles, validate acoustic signatures by collecting video, photographs, and sediment samples of the seafloor.
For more information visit the USGS - Woods Hole Science Center - Seafloor Mapping Technology webpage.
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