Equipment Used In Conducting Offshore Sand Surveys

Types of technologies used in the ASAP project

  Type of Technology
Output
How it Works
Combined Swath Bathymetry Side-scan sonar Edge Tech 6205
Combined Swath Bathymetry Side-Scan sonar Edge Tech 6205
 Edge output

Sends out an acoustic pulse and captures a return signal to measure the depths of oceans, seas or other large bodies of water. The data is used to compile a topographic map and image of the seafloor, archaeological resources and benthic habitat potential.

Sub-bottom Profiler EdgeTech 3200
Sub-bottom Profiler EdgeTech 3200
 Edge tech 3200 output

Towed just above seafloor, emits a chirping sound, and the return signal is collected as reflected and refracted sound through different layers of sediment. Operates between 500 Hz ─ 24 kHz. Pulse lasts

Side Scan Sonar Multi-Purpose Survey System EdgeTech 4200
Side Scan Sonar Multi-Purpose Survey System EdgeTech 4200
 Side Scan 4200

Data from acoustic backscatter creates a 2-dimensional image of the seafloor, archaeological resources, benthic habitat potential, and relic landscapes. Operates on a surface tow > 180– 900 kHz. Frequency above hearing range of cetaceans, manatees, seals, sea turtles, and most fish. Pulse lasts

Magnetometer Geometrics G-882
Magnetometer Geometrics G-882
 Geometrix 882

Measures the magnetic field to detect archaeological resources and potential hazards, including Munitions and Explosives of Concern (MEC), also known as unexploded ordnance (UXO). Map indicates UXO off Hawaii. Images courtesy of Geometrics.

 Alpine Vibracore
Alpine Vibracore
Copy of Lamont Doherty BOEM Core Storeage IMG_0278 cropped V2 for ASAP Fact Sheets

Penetrates a maximum of 20 feet into the sediment to verify geophysical data, determine sediment attributes and beach compatibility, and delineate sand resource areas. On right, BOEM Vibracore samples for the Lamont-Doherty Core Repository. BOEM photo.