SSCN Segment 2-B: Bathymetric Survey of Eastern Recherche Marine Park

SSCN SEGMENT 2-B Eastern Recherche Marine Park Bathymetry Acquisition (20240012S) is a marine geospatial dataset from a cable route survey conducted by EGS for the SUBCO Subsea Cable Network. The survey, performed from the RV Bold Explorer in April 2024, investigated bathymetry, seabed features, and shallow geology within the Eastern Recherche Marine Park off Western Australia. It includes data from multibeam echosounder systems and was followed by a geotechnical sampling program.

Use Cases

• Planning subsea cable routes based on detailed bathymetry and seabed feature data.
• Assessing geological hazards for offshore infrastructure using shallow geology investigations.
• Creating baseline environmental maps of the Eastern Recherche Marine Park seabed.
• Calibrating marine survey equipment methodologies based on documented sensor testing procedures.

Strengths

• Data collection followed a documented calibration protocol for DGPS, gyros, and multibeam echosounders on specific dates in April 2024.
• Survey scope is precisely defined, covering a specific cable segment within a named marine park.
• Dataset is hosted by Geoscience Australia, a national geoscience institution.

Limitations

• Critical metadata is missing: column names, row counts, file size, and license information are not provided.
• The stated 'last updated' date of 2026-04-30 appears to be a future date, conflicting with the survey dates in April 2024 and casting doubt on metadata accuracy.
• Data is explicitly not to be used for navigational purposes, limiting its application.

Provenance

Source

EGS (survey contractor) for the SUBCO Subsea Cable Network (SSCN) project, published by Geoscience Australia.

Collection Method

Marine survey using multibeam echosounder (MBES) systems from the RV Bold Explorer, including geotechnical sampling.

Time Range

April 2024 (Survey team embarked 17 April, offshore operations 19-20 April 2024).

Freshness

2026-04-30 14:31:12.727818 (Note: This is a future date and conflicts with the survey timeline described.)

Geography

Eastern Recherche Marine Park, offshore Western Australia, along the proposed SSCN Segment 2-B cable route.