Methods for Community Mapping Using Integrated Biological and Side-Scan Sonar Data

Abstract

Abstract Nowadays problems of ecological and geotechnical investigations are emphasized on. A lot of scientists both mapping bottom sediments and trying to reconstruct complex, multi-component seabed system, which include biological factors either. For example, geophysical data is successfully used to evaluate contrasting biological objects on the bottom, such as communities associated with seamounts and pock-marks, oyster or mussels banks. Material for this study was procured during surveys in Kandalaksha bay, the White Sea (Arctic). During 2010 – 2012 side-scan sonar (SSS) and VHR seismic surveys, qualitative sampling, underwater photo and video were carried out at the polygon of study. Main task of this research was community mapping. Spatial structure of benthic communities shows very high heterogeneity in the area of survey. Thus so, samples can’t be validly interpolated to the area more than 20 m in radius. Knowledge of bottom sediment structure and topography allows obtaining a higher degree of accuracy of community mapping. Biodiversity is related to bottom sediments type. It’s mean sonar data include information about community. On the other hand, Arctica Islandica shell big (4 cm on the average) and hard enough to backscatter high-frequency acoustic signal. There are two factors which connect community structure and side scan sonar data, this correlation may be defined. Sediments mapping was done by joint interpretation of the seismic, SSS, data of sample grain size and underwater observations. For research of underwater landscape distribution on the polygon method of mapping was used. It’s based on integrated interpretation of traditional sampling data, underwater observation, photo and video results and remote sensing methods (side scan sonar). Detailed data of underwater landscapes were produced.