Resources

INFOMAR (Seabed Survey) Acoustic Backscatter around Ireland

Data set information

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General  
Data holding centreGeological Survey Ireland
CountryIreland  Ireland
Time periodFrom 2000 onwards
OngoingYes
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.

OriginatorsGeological Survey Ireland
Marine Institute
Data web sitehttps://data.gov.ie/dataset/infomar-seabed-survey-backscatter
Availability 
OrganisationGeological Survey Ireland
AvailabilityLicence
ContactSean Cullen (INFOMAR Programme Manager)
Address

Geological Survey Ireland
Block 1, Booterstown Hall, Booterstown Avenue
Booterstown
Co. Dublin
A94 N2R6
Ireland

Telephone+353-1-6782000
Facsimile+353-1-6681782
Emailinfo@infomar.ie
Administration 
Collating centreMarine Institute
Local identifierGE.IE.GSI.INFOMAR.Backscatter
Global identifier6513
Last revised2017-12-04