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INFOMAR (Seabed Survey) Acoustic Backscatter around Ireland
Data set information
| Query EDMED |
General | |
Data holding centre | Geological Survey Ireland |
Country | Ireland |
Time period | From 2000 onwards |
Ongoing | Yes |
Geographical area | Currently Designated Irish Continental Shelf; Irish Exclusive Economic Zone; Irish Territorial Sea; Irish Contiguous Zone; Irish Internal Waters |
Observations | |
Parameters | Date and time; Bathymetry and Elevation; Acoustic backscatter in the water column; Horizontal spatial co-ordinates |
Instruments | Single-beam echosounders; multi-beam echosounders; acoustic backscatter sensors |
Description | |
Summary | Seafloor backscatter is defined as the amount of acoustic energy being received by the sonar after a complex interaction with the seafloor. This information can be used to determine bottom type, because different bottom types scatter sound energy differently. For example, a softer bottom such as mud will return a weaker signal than a harder bottom, like rock. Multibeam bathymetry, on the other hand, provides seafloor depth information and is computed by measuring the time that it takes for the signal to return to the sonar. Seafloor backscatter data from INFOMAR surveys have been collected in foreshore and offshore waters around Ireland. Seabed mapping backscatter data has been collected since 2000 and is set to continue until 2025 under the INFOMAR programme. Seafloor backscatter acoustics was collected from sensors associated with the echosounders on board the research vessel undertaking the survey. Acoustic backscatter sonar support knowledge and information gathering on the characteristics and properties of the seafloor. The INtegrated Mapping FOr the Sustainable Development of Irelands MArine Resource (INFOMAR) programme is a joint venture between the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) and the Marine Institute (MI). The programme is the successor to the Irish National Seabed Survey (INSS) and concentrates on creating integrated mapping products related to the seabed. Backscatter coverage not yet 100% complete for the Irish zone planned to survey up to 2025. |
Originators | Geological Survey Ireland Marine Institute |
Data web site | https://data.gov.ie/dataset/infomar-seabed-survey-backscatter |
Availability | |
Organisation | Geological Survey Ireland |
Availability | Licence |
Contact | Sean Cullen (INFOMAR Programme Manager) |
Address | Geological Survey Ireland |
Telephone | +353-1-6782000 |
Facsimile | +353-1-6681782 |
info@infomar.ie | |
Administration | |
Collating centre | Marine Institute |
Local identifier | GE.IE.GSI.INFOMAR.Backscatter |
Global identifier | 6513 |
Last revised | 2017-12-04 |