Interpretation of the Sedimentary Environments of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) H11320 Sidescan Sonar Mosaic in Rhode Island Sound (H11320ENVIRONS)

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, multibeam bathymetry, 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 measurements.

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）开展合作，对美国东北海岸沿线河口的表层地质进行解译。本研究的核心目标为：利用侧扫声纳（sidescan sonar）影像、多波束测深（multibeam bathymetry）数据与地震记录，明确罗德岛海峡某区域的海底地貌与沉积环境。该拼接影像、测深数据及其解译成果可服务于多类应用场景，具体包括：（1）界定海底地质变异性——该因素是底栖生境（benthic habitat）多样性的核心控制要素之一；（2）深化对调控底沉积物分布与输运、底栖生境分布及相关底内生物群落结构的过程的认知；（3）为后续的研究、监测与管理活动提供精细化的研究框架。此外，侧扫声纳拼接影像与测深图还可作为后续沉积学、地球化学及生物学观测的底图，这是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均至关重要。