IN2018_C01: Seafloor Bathymetry and Backscatter Data from Bass Strait

372 files totalling 119 GB of raw multibeam echosounder data were collected on RV Investigator voyage IN2018_C01 from May 28 to June 8, 2018. The Kongsberg EM710 MKII system acquired seafloor bathymetry and backscatter information, with an additional 269 GB of watercolumn backscatter data in 241 files. Data are stored by the Australian Ocean Data Network and include processed grids in GeoTIFF format.

Use Cases

• Generate high-resolution seafloor maps based on processed bathymetry grids in GeoTIFF format.
• Analyze seafloor composition based on backscatter information collected by the multibeam echosounder.
• Study water column properties based on raw watercolumn backscatter data stored in *.wcd format.
• Support safe shipping route planning based on modern survey data from the primary Bass Strait route.

Strengths

• Data volume is substantial, with 119 GB of bathymetry/backscatter data and 269 GB of watercolumn data.
• Processing steps are documented, including motion correction, tide corrections, and outlier removal.
• The echosounder system provides high angular resolution of 0.5° by 1° and a nominal frequency range of 40-100 kHz.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data may reflect geographic bias inherent to the specific voyage path through Bass Strait and near Wilson's Promontory.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network via data_gov_au.

Collection Method

Collected using a Kongsberg EM710 MKII multibeam echosounder aboard the RV Investigator.

Time Range

May 28, 2018 to June 8, 2018.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-18 18:09:19.008780; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Bass Strait, near Wilson's Promontory, and transit routes from/to Hobart, Australia.