Use of Seafloor Electromagnetic and Acoustic Backscatter Data for Seafloor Classification: An Example from Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Abstract
Near surface offshore geophysical data allow sediment classification in coastal settings at high levels of spatial detail. We present data from offshore Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts collected as part of the Office of Naval Research\'s Mine Burial Prediction program. Seafloor electromagnetic data provide estimates of near surface porosity at approximately 10m intervals along each tow-line. In addition, the area has undergone repeat surveys with high resolution acoustic backscatter and bathymetry. In some locations, the geophysical data has been groundtruthed by grab sampling and coring. We examine the spatial variability in near surface sediment properties on the basis of the geophysical data. The EM data are particularly well suited to constructing semi-variograms to display length scales of variability. Preliminary examination does not show any obvious correlation between the EM data and acoustic backscatter, however, further processing of the backscatter is being carried out and so this result is tentative.
Department
Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping
Publication Date
12-2006
Volume
87, Issue 52
Journal Title
Fall Meeting, American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Conference Date
Dec 11 - Dec 15, 2006
Publisher Place
San Francisco, CA, USA
Publisher
American Geophysical Union Publications
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Recommended Citation
Evans, R L.; Kraft, Barbara J.; and Mayer, Larry A., "Use of Seafloor Electromagnetic and Acoustic Backscatter Data for Seafloor Classification: An Example from Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts" (2006). Fall Meeting, American Geophysical Union (AGU). 379.
https://scholars.unh.edu/ccom/379