Orford Inshore Marine Survey Data: Multibeam and Benthic Sampling 2012

A marine environmental survey dataset from the Orford Inshore Marine Conservation Zone in the Southern North Sea, collected from February 28 to March 12, 2012. It includes multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data, drop-down video, static images, and benthic grab samples gathered by the RV Discovery. The data is archived with multiple UK Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) Data Archive Centres.

Use Cases

• Analyze bathymetry and backscatter data to map seafloor morphology and substrate types for habitat classification.
• Use drop-down video and static image data for visual validation and annotation of benthic species and habitats.
• Correlate mini Hamon grab sample data with georeferenced mosaics to study sediment composition and benthic ecology.
• Process navigation and position data in WGS84 coordinates to create spatially referenced survey tracklines and sampling points.

Strengths

• Data collected to International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Order 1a standard, indicating a high survey specification.
• Includes multiple data types: multibeam, video, images, and physical samples, providing a multi-faceted view of the marine environment.
• Archived with multiple authoritative UK data centers (BGS, DASSH, UKHO), ensuring long-term preservation and access.

Limitations

• Specific data volume metrics (rows, file size) are unknown, making it difficult to assess computational requirements.
• Data is from a single two-week survey in 2012, limiting temporal analysis and potentially representing only seasonal conditions.
• The geographic scope is limited to the Orford Inshore MCZ in the Southern North Sea, reducing generalizability to other regions.

Provenance

Source

British Geological Survey (BGS), archived with MEDIN Data Archive Centres including DASSH and UKHO.

Collection Method

Full coverage multibeam survey, drop-down video, static images, and mini Hamon grab sampling conducted from the RV Discovery.

Time Range

28/02/2012 to 12/03/2012

Freshness

null

Geography

Orford Inshore Marine Conservation Zone, Southern North Sea, United Kingdom.