CZM_moris_bh_5mbs_raster contains high-resolution acoustic backscatter measurements of the seafloor from Boston Harbor and its approaches. Approximately 170 square kilometers of sidescan sonar data were collected by NOAA Ship Whiting in 2000 and 2001. The data were reprocessed by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management and the U.S. Geological Survey.
Use Cases
- Classify seafloor sediment types using acoustic backscatter intensity values.
- Map benthic habitats by analyzing spatial patterns in the backscatter imagery.
- Detect anthropogenic features like shipwrecks or debris based on high-backscatter anomalies.
- Assess changes in seafloor characteristics by comparing this 2000-2001 baseline with newer surveys.
Strengths
- High-resolution data at 5 meters per pixel.
- Covers approximately 170 square kilometers of seafloor.
- Reprocessed by authoritative agencies (CZM and USGS).
Limitations
- Data is over 20 years old, limiting analysis of recent changes.
- Specific row/column counts, file formats, and data size are unknown.
- Limited to the geographic area of Boston Harbor and approaches.
Provenance
- Source
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ship Whiting, reprocessed by Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
- Collection Method
- Collected via sidescan sonar, reprocessed into a raster product.
- Time Range
- 2000 to 2001
- Freshness
- Data collection ended in 2001; no update frequency specified.
- Geography
- Boston Harbor and harbor approaches, Massachusetts, USA.