The SeaBED AUV is deployed over R/V Aegaeo's port side! SeaBED is equipped with a high resolution multibeam sonar system that can provide centimeter-scale information about the seafloor. This technology allows us to quickly map the seafloor, and to document the distribution and physical characteristics of shipwrecks and geologic features. Click image for larger view and image credit.
Using Multibeam Systems for Mapping
July 2, 2006
37 N, 25 E
Vicki Verrini
Research Associate
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
I am interested in using sonar systems to study the physical processes that shape the seafloor. During this cruise, I have been fortunate to collaborate with Greek colleagues who have similar technical and research interests, and have helped with multibeam sonar mapping efforts conducted with the Aegaeo’s hull-mounted system. We have documented very interesting seafloor features that are related to the geologic and volcanic setting of the areas we have visited.
Multibeam sonar systems not only provide information about the depth and shape of the seafloor, but can also be used to identify and describe shipwrecks. SeaBED is equipped with a high resolution multibeam sonar system that can provide centimeter-scale information about the seafloor. This technology allows us to quickly map the seafloor, and to document the distribution and physical characteristics of shipwrecks.
HCMR multibeam specialist Martina Alexandri processes data collected from Aegaeo's multibeam system. Two different multibeam systems are being used to acquire seafloor data at different resolutions during Project PHAEDRA 2006. Click image for larger view and image credit.
Precise vehicle navigation is critical to a successful multibeam sonar survey. This is straightforward with a ship, which utilizes satellite-based DGPS (Differential Global Positioning System), but is more complex with underwater vehicles which rely upon acoustic navigation. SeaBED is equipped with a high-precision navigational system that will ensure high quality data. In addition to navigation, it is important that we monitor the motion of the survey platform to ensure that the data are properly positioned on the seafloor.
High-resolution multibeam sonar data provide valuable information to a variety of scientists and archaeologists. By using sonar systems to map the seafloor we can effectively see its shape as we would if the water were removed. New computer visualization techniques allow us to display and navigate through the three-dimensional representations of these datasets, and to overlay bottom photographs, photo-mosaics, and sample locations. In this way, we gain a more complete understanding of the complex seafloor.Sign up for the Ocean Explorer E-mail Update List.
