Perth Submarine Canyon Geomorphic Mapping with 20m Bathymetry

A 2015-2017 project by Geoscience Australia and the Schmidt Ocean Institute applied a new genetic classification system to map the Perth submarine canyon. The dataset includes 20-meter resolution bathymetry, acoustic backscatter, sub-bottom profiles, and sediment samples covering an area greater than 1500 km². It was presented at the 2017 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting.

Use Cases

• Classifying seafloor geomorphic features based on the Harris et al. (2014) global framework.
• Mapping potential benthic habitats using high-resolution bathymetry and backscatter data.
• Analyzing submarine canyon morphology based on topographic metrics and shelf-incising status.
• Studying the link between seafloor processes and morphology in a Marine Protected Area.

Strengths

• Integrates multiple data types: 20m bathymetry, acoustic backscatter, sub-bottom profiles, and sediment samples.
• Covers a large area (>1500 km²) from 170m to 4700m water depth.
• Applies a standardized, nested genetic classification system within an established global framework.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Last updated 2026-06-23 00:05:53.573265; freshness should be verified.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia, Schmidt Ocean Institute, Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

High-resolution marine geophysical data acquisition (multibeam echo-sounding, sub-bottom profiling) and sediment sampling.

Time Range

Primary data acquired in 2005 (sediment samples) and 2015 (bathymetry/backscatter). Analysis presented in 2017.

Geography

Perth submarine canyon, continental slope and shelf of southwest Australia.