Arafura Marine Park Survey: Bathymetry and Benthic Habitat Baseline Data

A 6-meter resolution bathymetry dataset for the Arafura Marine Park was collected from November 2–15, 2020. Geoscience Australia and the Australian Institute of Marine Science conducted the survey aboard the RV Solander to build baseline information for benthic habitats. The data includes multibeam bathymetry, backscatter, seabed samples, and underwater imagery from Money Shoal and Pillar Bank.

Use Cases

• Map seafloor topography based on the 6-meter resolution bathymetry data.
• Analyze benthic community composition based on the underwater imagery of seabed habitats.
• Assess sediment types and seabed characteristics based on the collected seabed samples.
• Support marine park management planning based on the baseline habitat information for the 10-year management plan (2018-2028).

Strengths

• High-resolution 6-meter bathymetry grid produced from processed multibeam data.
• Data collection includes multiple complementary methods: bathymetry, backscatter, seabed samples, and imagery.
• Survey conducted by authoritative national agencies Geoscience Australia and the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data may reflect geographic/temporal bias inherent to data_gov_au.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia and the Australian Institute of Marine Science, via the Australian Ocean Data Network.

Collection Method

Multibeam bathymetry and backscatter collection using an EM2040C Dual Head system, processed with CARIS HIPS and SIPS software, supplemented by seabed samples and underwater imagery.

Time Range

November 2–15, 2020

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-27 20:41:37.972467; freshness should be verified.

Geography

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