Quantifying acoustic backscatter of seafloor using multibeam echosounder

Abstract

Multibeam echosounder is one of the most important technology for carrying out hydrographic surveys, benthic habitat mapping, marine fisheries, and seafloor surveys. The advantage of multibeam echosounder were produced simultaneously bathymetric and acoustic backscatter. The purpose of this research was to process and to analyze multibeam echosounder data for mapping the seafloor and quantifying acoustic backscatter. Bathymetric data was processed used the Combined Uncertainty and Bathymetry Estimator (CUBE) method. The analysis of seabed type used Angular Response Analysis (ARA) and Sediment Analysis Tool (SAT). Seawater depth in the survey area was measured from 11.2 m to 45.3 m. Analysis of seafloor classification consists of clay, silt, sand, and rock bottom. The highest acoustic backscatter was rock bottom and the lowest was clay bottom.