About this Research Topic
Multibeam echo sounders (MBES) are swath acoustic mapping systems, first developed in the 1970s for hydrographic survey (i.e. seafloor bathymetric measurements). This capability is achieved by forming beams in reception across the swath and measuring the two-way travel time of the acoustic signal returned by the seafloor for each beam. In addition, the systems also measure the intensity of this returned signal, commonly referred to as backscatter, which can be used to infer composition of the seafloor. Modern MBES also measure and record the signal returned before the seafloor echo, which is due to water column scatterers and can help inform the contents of the water-column (e.g. fish, turbidity, gas flares). The interaction of acoustic signals with targets in the seafloor and water column is complex, and while tools and best practices for acquiring and processing seafloor bathymetry data are well established, those for backscatter data are still evolving
The Backscatter Working Group (BSWG) was established in 2013 as part of the GeoHab conference forum to develop and share best practices for MBES backscatter data collection and processing. Their "Guidelines and Recommendations" document, published in 2015, continues to serve as a key resource. Since its inception, the BSWG has provided an international platform for sharing the latest research and advancements in backscatter technology. Despite significant progress, many challenges in the collection, processing, and application of MBES backscatter data remain. This research topic aims to gather and present the latest research in this evolving field.
This research topic encourages submission on the latest research on MBES seafloor and water column backscatter data. This Research Topic will cover all elements of the backscatter workflow, including advancing research and innovative developments related to backscatter calibration methods, data acquisition approaches, the use and application of multi-frequency sensors, data processing, and new, emerging analysis and interpretation methods. The scope of this topic encompasses both seafloor and water column MBES backscatter.
The Backscatter Working Group (BSWG) was established in 2013 as part of the GeoHab conference forum to develop and share best practices for MBES backscatter data collection and processing. Their "Guidelines and Recommendations" document, published in 2015, continues to serve as a key resource. Since its inception, the BSWG has provided an international platform for sharing the latest research and advancements in backscatter technology. Despite significant progress, many challenges in the collection, processing, and application of MBES backscatter data remain. This research topic aims to gather and present the latest research in this evolving field.
This research topic encourages submission on the latest research on MBES seafloor and water column backscatter data. This Research Topic will cover all elements of the backscatter workflow, including advancing research and innovative developments related to backscatter calibration methods, data acquisition approaches, the use and application of multi-frequency sensors, data processing, and new, emerging analysis and interpretation methods. The scope of this topic encompasses both seafloor and water column MBES backscatter.
Keywords: multibeam, seafloor mapping, water column, echo sounder, backscatter
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