Southern Indian Ocean Seafloor Bathymetry At 150m Resolution

Over 710,000 square kilometres of bathymetric data were collected in the Southern Indian Ocean to support the search for missing flight MH370. Geoscience Australia provided expertise, with surveys conducted from June 2014 to February 2017. The dataset presents seafloor topography at a 150-meter resolution, overlain on a hillshade for visualization.

Use Cases

• Analyze seafloor topography and slope using the 150m resolution bathymetry grid for geological feature identification.
• Model underwater terrain for search and navigation simulation using the provided hillshade layer with specific illumination parameters.
• Map bathymetric data coverage across the over 710,000 sq km survey and transit areas to assess data density.
• Study the evolution of the seafloor in the search area by examining data collected across the multi-year time range.

Strengths

• Covers over 710,000 square kilometres of survey and transit area.
• Provides a consistent 150-meter resolution bathymetric grid.
• Includes a derived hillshade layer created with specific azimuth and altitude parameters for enhanced visualization.
• Data collection spanned nearly three years, from June 2014 to February 2017.

Limitations

• Specific column names and data structure are unknown from the provided input.
• The dataset is explicitly not to be used for navigational purposes, limiting its operational application.
• The exact spatial boundaries and coordinate reference system are not detailed in the description.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network, on behalf of Geoscience Australia and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

Collection Method

Acquired by multibeam sonar mounted on the hulls of multiple vessels during dedicated survey missions.

Time Range

June 2014 to February 2017

Freshness

Data collection concluded in February 2017, though the metadata was last updated in April 2026.

Geography

Southern Indian Ocean, specifically the MH370 search area and associated transit lines.