Bathymetry

Bathymetry is the study of ocean floor depth and elevation. Bathymetric charts and maps provide depth information, sometimes with additional navigational information and/or terrain relief effects.

Bathymetry surveys carried out by Marine Scotland are collected using a multi-beam echosounder (Reson 7125). This system provides detailed information on the seabed bathymetry. The system is georeferenced using an Applanix POS MV(tm) and Fugro STARFIX DGPS. Daily water column profiles are recorded using a sound velocity probe. Tide gauges (RBR DR-1050) are also deployed for the duration of the survey to enable tidal corrections. Survey transect lines are spaced to ensure >50% overlap between adjacent lines for most of the areas to maximise the coverage of the area surveyed. Typically, 8 knots was maintained in open water for 60 m or less however, sites greater than 60 m were surveyed at speeds of 4 knots.

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) are the UK data archive centre for bathymetry data, but some resources are listed below that might be of use.

• The UKHO offer survey data from UKHO marine data portal under open licence.  This tends to cover inshore areas of the UK, and includes data surveyed by Marine Scotland.
• OceanWise offer a 1 arcsecond digital elevation model under commercial licence. This covers UK waters.  Other suppliers might be available.
• EMODnet offer a 1/16 arcminute (3.75 arcseconds) digital elevation model for free, under certain licence conditions.  This data covers the NE Atlantic region.  They also have an interactive map which can display contours.
• GEBCO offer a 1/4 arcminute (15 arcseconds) digital elevation model for free, under certain licence conditions.  This data covers the globe.

The British Geological Survey (BGS) are the UK data archive centre for geophysical seabed data and may be offer to more advice on submerged land bridges and the Storegga landslide.

Note that Scottish Government has a contract with OceanWise for the supply of bathymetry data under licence.

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Bathymetry (OceanWise Marine Themes DEM) | Marine Scotland Information