Southeast Indian Ridge Bathymetry Survey from 1996

128-meter resolution bathymetric data maps the seafloor along a transit from Fremantle to Port Hedland. Scientists from Bishop Museum and the University of California San Diego collected this data aboard the R/V Melville in early 1996. The dataset consists of 32-bit GeoTIFF files processed from SeaBeam 2000 sonar system data.

Use Cases

• Analyze seafloor depth variations using the 128m-210m resolution GeoTIFF pixel values.
• Map tectonic features like ridges and fracture zones from the bathymetric survey covering the transit route.
• Study sediment distribution patterns by correlating depth data with other regional geological datasets.
• Validate or calibrate modern sonar systems by comparing against this 1996 SeaBeam 2000 survey data.

Strengths

• Data provides 128m to 210m resolution detail of seafloor topography.
• Survey conducted over a 51-day period from February to April 1996, capturing a continuous transit.

Limitations

• Data is over 25 years old and may not reflect current seafloor conditions.
• Specific row counts, file sizes, and exact geographic bounds are unknown.

Provenance

Source

Bishop Museum, Hawaii and University of California San Diego, via the Australian Ocean Data Network.

Collection Method

Acquired using the SeaBeam 2000 sonar system aboard the R/V Melville and processed with CARIS HIPS and SIPS software.

Time Range

22 February 1996 to 13 April 1996.

Freshness

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Geography

Southeast Indian Ocean, along a transit from Fremantle, Australia to Port Hedland, Australia.