Arafura Marine Park Backscatter Mosaics from 2020 Survey

Two 32-bit geotiff backscatter mosaics were collected for the Arafura Marine Park in November 2020. Geoscience Australia and the Australian Institute of Marine Science conducted the survey aboard the RV Solander to establish baseline information for benthic habitats. The data supports a 10-year management plan (2018-2028) for the North Marine Park Network.

Use Cases

• Map seafloor composition and texture based on backscatter intensity data.
• Establish baseline habitat models for environmental monitoring based on the survey's stated purpose.
• Analyze benthic community distribution in relation to seabed geology based on correlated seabed samples and imagery.

Strengths

• Data was collected using a specific multibeam system (EM2040C Dual Head) and processed with a named software toolbox (CMST-GA MB Process v15.04.04.0).
• A detailed post-survey report is publicly referenced, providing methodological context.
• The survey was a collaborative project funded by the National Environmental Science Program with co-investment from two major Australian scientific institutions.

Limitations

• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia and the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

Collection Method

Multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data acquisition from a marine survey vessel.

Time Range

2 – 15 November 2020.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-05-04 23:36:31.701110; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Arafura Marine Park (Arafura Sea), specifically Money Shoal and Pillar Bank.