Mapping the Gulf of Maine with side-scan sonar: A new bottom-type classification for complex seafloors
Journal of Coastal Research
By: W. A. Barnhardt, J. T. Kelley, S.M. Dickson, and D. F. Belknap
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Abstract
The bedrock-framed seafloor in the northwestern Gulf of Maine is characterized by extreme changes in bathymetric relief and covered with a wide variety of surficial materials. Traditional methods of mapping cannot accurately represent the great heterogeneity of such a glaciated region. A new mapping scheme for complex seafloors, based primarily on the interpretation of side-scan sonar imagery, utilizes four easily recognized units: rock, gravel, sand and mud. In many places, however, the seafloor exhibits a complicated mixture or extremely 'patchy' distribution of the four basic units, which are too small to map individually. Twelve composite units, each a two-component mixture of the basic units, were established to represent this patchiness at a small scale (1:100,000). Using a geographic information system, these and all other available data (seismic profiles, grab samples, submersible dives and cores) were referenced to a common geographic base, superimposed on bathymetric contours and then integrated into surficial geologic maps of the regional inner continental shelf. This digital representation of the seafloor comprises a multidimensional, interactive model complete with explicit attributes (depth, bottom type) that allow for detailed analysis of marine environments.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Mapping the Gulf of Maine with side-scan sonar: A new bottom-type classification for complex seafloors |
| Series title | Journal of Coastal Research |
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Year Published | 1998 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Journal of Coastal Research |
| First page | 646 |
| Last page | 659 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |