Geostatistical modelling of multibeam backscatter for full-coverage seabed sediment maps

摘要: Extensive seabed sediment mapping is highly relevant to describe marine ecosystems and quantify the distribution extent of benthic habitats. Compared traditional methods, primarily based on bed sampling, multibeam echo sounding (MBES) a time-efficient tool acquire high-resolution bathymetric backscatter data over large areas. We use Bayesian method for unsupervised acoustic classification (ASC) MBES Cleaver Bank, Netherlands Continental Shelf. On these sparsely distributed datasets, we tested evaluated different Kriging algorithms, showing that Ordinary results in reliable map. introduce new approach classify interpolated producing full-coverage maps. Comparison map situ measurements shows this resolves lateral heterogeneities (kilometers). When evaluating obtained from method, actual backscatter, laterally heterogeneous sediments significantly improved (meters). In order create optimal map, aimed integrate ASC into existing maps, which, however, requires quantified spatial uncertainties both considered Finally, low discrimination power coarse highlighted as shortcoming current mapping.