Marine Geophysical Applications for Detecting Seabed Features: Basics, Acquisition, Processing and Interpretation

The most powerful tools that used to detect seabed features is the acoustical marine geophysical survey equipment, in combination with ground- truth data. In this work two hydro-acoustic systems were used to map the seabed surface. The both depend on analysis of time, intensity and angle of the reflected and backscattered waves received. Single-beam echo-sounders connected with acoustic seabed classification systems (QTC) that provide water depth and the nature of the seafloor under the transducer. While side-scan sonar provides continuous high resolution information about the texture of the seabed over a wide swath. The ground- truth data was used in this work are: bottom samples analysis and underwater video camera images. An integrated package of specialized software have been used in all stages of acquisition, processing and interpretation.

Mohamed A. NassarGeophysicist and Hydrographic Surveyor, Marine Geology and Geophysics Department, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), Alexandria Branch, Egypt. M.Sc. of Geophysics, Geophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.