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Views of the Sea Floor in Northern Monterey Bay, California

Scientific Investigations Map 3007
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sim3007

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Abstract

A sonar survey that produced unprecedented high-resolution images of the sea floor in northern Monterey Bay was conducted in 2005 and 2006. The survey, performed over 14 days by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), consisted of 172 tracklines and over 300 million soundings and covered an area of 12.2 km2 (4.7 mi2). The goals of this survey were to collect high-resolution bathymetry (depth to the sea floor) and acoustic backscatter data (amount of sound energy bounced back from the sea floor, which provides information on sea-floor hardness and texture) from the inner continental shelf. These data will provide a baseline for future change analyses, geologic mapping, sediment- and contaminant-transport studies, benthic-habitat delineation, and numerical modeling efforts. The survey shows that the inner shelf in this area is extremely varied in nature, encompassing flat sandy areas, faults, boulder fields, and complex bedrock ridges that support rich marine ecosystems. Furthermore, many of these complex bedrock ridges form the ?reefs? that result in a number of California?s classic surf breaks.

Suggested Citation

Storlazzi, C., Golden, N., and Finlayson, D.P., 2008, Views of the Sea Floor in Northern Monterey Bay, California: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map 3007, Map Sheet: 48 x 36 inches, https://doi.org/10.3133/sim3007.

ISSN: 2329-132X (online)

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Views of the Sea Floor in Northern Monterey Bay, California
Series title Scientific Investigations Map
Series number 3007
ISBN 9781411320925
DOI 10.3133/sim3007
Year Published 2008
Language ENGLISH
Publisher Geological Survey (U.S.)
Contributing office(s) Western Coastal and Marine Geology
Description Map Sheet: 48 x 36 inches
Additional publication details