Multibeam Bathymetry and Backscatter Data for Puerto Rico, 2008

From February 25 to March 8, 2008, the Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment (CCMA) collected high-resolution multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data from the NOAA Ship Nancy Foster. The mission aimed for 100% seafloor ensonification in high-priority conservation areas within Puerto Rico, including its western coast, Mona Island, and the southern coast of Vieques Island. Data covers mid-water depths ranging from approximately 10 to 500 meters.

Use Cases

• Create seafloor habitat maps based on acoustic backscatter data suitable for seafloor characterization.
• Model underwater topography and bathymetry based on high-resolution multibeam data.
• Support marine conservation planning based on data collected from high priority conservation areas.
• Analyze seafloor composition and texture based on multibeam backscatter intensity.

Strengths

• Data collection aimed for 100% seafloor ensonification, suggesting complete coverage of target areas.
• High-resolution multibeam data collected in a defined depth range of approximately 10 to 500 meters.
• Mission conducted by the authoritative Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment (CCMA) on a NOAA vessel.

Limitations

• Last updated 2008-03-08 00:00:00; freshness should be verified.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and file formats are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

NOAA_NCEI

Collection Method

Collected via multibeam sonar systems aboard the NOAA Ship Nancy Foster.

Time Range

2008-02-25 to 2008-03-08

Freshness

2008-03-08

Geography

Caribbean Sea, Western coast of Puerto Rico, Mona Island, Southern coast of Vieques Island