Abstract

Normal incidence, 23.5 kHz seafloor acoustic backscatter data and bottom video were measured with the Deep Tow instrument package of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 100 meter water depth south of San Clemente Island, CA. The collected data were processed using an echo envelopesediment characterization method, to derive geoacoustic parameters such as particle mean grain size and the strength of the power law characterizing the roughness energy density spectrum of thesediment-water interface. Two regions, sand and silt, were selected based on available ground truth, perceived along-track sediment homogeneity, data quality and tow fish stability. Distinction between sand and fine grain sediments can be accomplished by creation of feature vectors comprised of mean grain size (MΦ) and interface roughness spectral strength (w2). Estimates for mean grain size and roughness spectral strength (MΦ, w2) were (1.5, 0.0095) for sand, and (6.7, 0.0033) for silt, where MΦ is expressed in PHI units, and w2 has units cm4. These results are consistent with local ground truth measurements and illustrate the potential of this sediment characterization method in survey mode.

Department

Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping

Publication Date

10-2002

Volume

4

Journal Title

IEEE Oceans

Pages

2086-2092

Conference Date

Oct 29 - Oct 31, 2002

Publisher Place

Biloxi, MS, USA

Publisher

IEEE

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1109/OCEANS.2002.1191953

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Download

Share

COinS