Predicted Seabed Sand Content for Darwin Harbour, 10m Resolution

395 seabed samples and seven environmental variables underpin a 10-meter resolution raster grid predicting sand content for Darwin and Bynoe Harbour. The model, funded by an INPEX-led LNG project and developed by Geoscience Australia and partners, demonstrates high accuracy with a VEcv of 39% for sand. This dataset supersedes previous predictions with an 84.8% improvement in predictive accuracy for sand content over a common interpolation method.

Use Cases

• Modeling benthic habitat suitability based on predicted seabed sand content.
• Informing marine spatial planning and dredging operations using high-resolution sediment maps.
• Calibrating remote sensing models with ground-truthed sediment data from 2011-2017 surveys.
• Assessing sediment transport and erosion patterns in harbour environments.

Strengths

• Predictive accuracy for sand content was improved by 84.8% compared to a commonly used interpolation method (IDW).
• Data is derived from a compilation of multiple surveys conducted between 2011 and 2017, providing a multi-year baseline.
• Spatially continuous predictions are provided at a 10-meter resolution raster grid format.

Limitations

• Absences in predictions occur due to non-availability of associated predictive variables.
• Row count and specific column-level documentation are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia, Australian Institute of Marine Science, Northern Territory Government's Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Collection Method

Predictions based on 395 samples and seven environmental variables derived from high-resolution multibeam sonar bathymetry and backscatter data.

Time Range

Surveys conducted between 2011 and 2017.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-20 02:25:42.775171; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Greater Darwin Harbour and Bynoe Harbour region, northern Australian marine margin.