IE GSI MI Backscatter (Seafloor Hardness) 40m Offshore Ireland WGS84 LAT TIFF

Backscatter maps show how hard or soft the seabed is in Irish waters.

Knowing if the seabed is hard (rock) or soft (sand) is vital to many activities at sea.

Backscatter maps along with samples taken from the seabed are used to create seabed sediment maps (mud, sand, gravel, rock).

This data is useful to researchers and fisheries as it helps identify different habitats that fish live and breed in and these areas can then be protected.

Backscatter maps are helpful when building structures on the seabed such as offshore energy devices (wind, tide and wave), bridges and tunnels. The maps help to select the best site for the structure. Understanding the nature of the seabed (strength and type of sediment) will help prevent any disasters or long term problems with a structure. This can be done by avoiding unsuitable seabed or engineering a project to suit the type of seabed it is to be built on.

They are also useful for laying cables and pipelines on the seabed. They help find the best route to lay them and help spot any hazards like shipwrecks.