Interpretation of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Survey H11321 Sidescan-Sonar Image, Central Rhode Island Sound (H11321INTERP shapefile)

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is working cooperatively with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to interpret the surficial geology in estuaries along the coast of the northeastern United States. The purpose of our present study is to define the sea floor morphology and sedimentary environments in an area of Rhode Island Sound using sidescan-sonar imagery, bathymetry data and seismic records. The mosaic, bathymetry, and their interpretations serve many purposes, including: (1) defining the geological variability of the sea floor, which is one of the primary controls of benthic habitat diversity; (2) improving our understanding of the processes that control the distribution and transport of bottom sediments and the distribution of benthic habitats and associated infaunal community structures; and (3) providing a detailed framework for future research, monitoring, and management activities. The sidescan-sonar mosaics and bathymetry images also serve as base maps for subsequent sedimentological, geochemical, and biological observations, because precise information on environmental setting is important for selection of sampling sites and for accurate interpretations of point measures.

美国地质调查局（U.S. Geological Survey, USGS）正与美国国家海洋和大气管理局（National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA）合作，对美国东北海岸沿线河口的表层地质开展解译工作。本研究旨在利用侧扫声纳图像、水深数据与地震记录，明确罗德岛海峡区域内的海底地貌与沉积环境。侧扫声纳拼接图、水深数据及其解译成果可服务于多重目标：（1）界定海底地质变异性——该因素是调控底栖生境多样性的核心控制因素之一；（2）深化对调控底沉积物分布与运移、底栖生境分布及相关底内群落结构的各类过程的认知；（3）为未来的研究、监测与管理活动提供精细化的研究框架。此外，侧扫声纳拼接图与水深图像还可作为后续沉积学、地球化学与生物学观测的底图，因为环境背景的精确信息对于采样点位的遴选以及单点测量结果的精准解译至关重要。