Southern Indian Ocean Seafloor Backscatter Data from MH370 Search

Geoscience Australia provides a 30-meter resolution backscatter dataset covering over 710,000 square kilometers of the Southern Indian Ocean. The data was acquired by multibeam sonar from multiple vessels between June 2014 and February 2017 to support the search for missing flight MH370. This dataset is intended for seafloor exploration and is not for navigational use.

Use Cases

• Analyze seafloor topography and sediment composition using the 30-meter resolution backscatter data.
• Map geological features and habitat characteristics across the 710,000 square kilometer survey area.
• Integrate this backscatter data with bathymetric surveys for comprehensive seafloor modeling.
• Study the Southern Indian Ocean seafloor morphology in the defined search and transit areas.

Strengths

• High-resolution 30-meter grid data for detailed seafloor analysis.
• Extensive spatial coverage exceeding 710,000 square kilometers.
• Data collection spanned nearly three years from June 2014 to February 2017.

Limitations

• Specific column definitions, sample data, and file formats are not provided in the metadata.
• Dataset is explicitly not intended for navigational purposes, limiting its operational use.
• The raw data volume and internal structure are unknown, complicating immediate technical assessment.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia, provided on behalf of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).

Collection Method

Data acquired by multibeam sonar mounted on the hull of multiple survey vessels (GA-4421, GA-4422, GA-4430).

Time Range

June 2014 to February 2017.

Freshness

Metadata was last updated in March 2026, but the core data collection ended in February 2017.

Geography

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