Lord Howe Island Shelf Backscatter and Bathymetry Grid

A 1034 sq km backscatter grid details the seabed composition around Lord Howe Island. Geoscience Australia collected the data during a 2008 marine survey using the RV Southern Surveyor, merging it with pre-existing bathymetric data. The survey also involved sediment sampling, rock coring, underwater video, and oceanographic measurements.

Use Cases

• Analyze backscatter intensity values to classify seafloor sediment types and hardness. Map sediment thickness and shelf stratigraphy using integrated subbottom profile data. Correlate bathymetry grid data with colocated samples of surface sediments and infauna for habitat modeling. Study wave-generated currents and ocean tides using data from a 6-month mooring deployment.

Strengths

• Grid covers a 1034 sq km survey area of the Lord Howe Island shelf.
• Data integrates multiple survey methods including backscatter, bathymetry, sediment sampling, and video observations.

Limitations

• Specific row/column counts, resolution details, and data formats within the grid are unknown.
• Primary data collection occurred in 2008, which may limit analysis of recent seabed changes.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network (host), Geoscience Australia (collector).

Collection Method

Data acquired via ship-based survey (RV Southern Surveyor) using EM300 multibeam sonar for backscatter, merged with other bathymetric datasets.

Time Range

Primary survey in 2008, with some incorporated pre-existing data.

Freshness

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Geography

Lord Howe Island shelf, New South Wales, Australia.