MH370 Search Bathymetry Data Revealing Seafloor Features in the Southeast Indian Ocean

A high-resolution multibeam echosounder dataset covering over 279,000 km² was acquired in the southeastern Indian Ocean to assist the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which disappeared on 8 March 2014. The data, provided by the Australian Ocean Data Network, is the first large-scale coverage of its kind in this region and reveals detailed seafloor features. It enables geomorphic analyses, comparing new findings with coarser global models and providing insights into geological processes shaping this remote deep-sea area.

Use Cases

• Comparing high-resolution bathymetric measurements with satellite-derived models based on the reported 62% agreement and >38% disagreement rates.
• Mapping and analyzing seafloor geomorphic features such as seamounts, ridges, and canyons based on the detailed feature identification described.
• Studying modern sedimentary processes like sediment mass transport and gas/fluid discharge based on the documented pockmarks and other features.
• Investigating seafloor spreading and rifting processes based on the analysis of ridges and the Broken Ridge – Diamantina Escarpment.

Strengths

• Covers a large area of over 279,000 km², providing extensive spatial coverage.
• First large-scale high-resolution multibeam echosounder dataset for this remote region.
• Reveals significantly more detail than previous models, showing a 20% increase in hills/mountains and four times more seamounts.
• Enables identification of fine-scale features like pockmarks, documenting modern geological processes.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and specific file size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data freshness should be verified despite the listed last update date.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network via data_gov_au.

Collection Method

Acquired via high-resolution multibeam echosounder (MBES) surveys during the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370.

Time Range

Data acquisition was related to the search following the disappearance on 8 March 2014; specific survey dates are not provided.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-16 17:51:43.256968; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Southeastern Indian Ocean, specifically the MH370 search area.