GA4848: Multibeam Sonar Backscatter Survey of Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs

Geoscience Australia collected multibeam sonar backscatter data for Middleton Reef and Elizabeth Reef within Lord Howe Marine Park from 31 January to 6 February 2020. The survey was a collaborative project funded by the National Environmental Science Program Marine Biodiversity Hub, involving the University of Tasmania, NSW Department of Primary Industries, University of Sydney, and Parks Australia. This dataset comprises two bathymetry grids at 4-meter spatial resolution to support the 10-year management plan (2018-2028) for the Temperate East Marine Park Network.

Use Cases

• Map benthic habitat distribution based on multibeam sonar backscatter data.
• Establish baseline environmental conditions for ongoing monitoring within a marine park management plan.
• Analyze seabed morphology and composition for coral reef research.
• Integrate sonar data with complementary AUV imagery and sediment samples for holistic seafloor studies.

Strengths

• Data collected during a dedicated survey from 31 January to 6 February 2020 using a Kongsberg EM 2040C HD multibeam sonar.
• Project involved multiple authoritative institutions including Geoscience Australia, University of Tasmania, and Parks Australia.
• Bathymetry grids are provided at a 4-meter spatial resolution.
• Survey purpose is explicitly linked to a 10-year marine park management plan (2018-2028).

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and dataset size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data is not to be used for navigational purposes, restricting its application scope.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia, collected via the Australian Maritime College vessel TV Bluefin.

Collection Method

Seabed mapping using multibeam sonar (Kongsberg EM 2040C HD, 300 kHz), supplemented by AUV imagery, sediment grabs, and BRUVs.

Time Range

Survey conducted from 31 January to 6 February 2020.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-05-04 23:31:00.707436; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Middleton Reef and Elizabeth Reef within the Lord Howe Marine Park, Australia.