Investigation of the possibilities for seabottom characterization using echosounder data

Abstract

This thesis focuses mainly on using the information present in the first echo returned from the seafloor, using a normal-incidence echosounder, to characterize or classify the seabed. This is done using a monostatic setup in a water-tank in the laboratory. Monostatic means that the same transducer is used both as source and receiver. Measurements were done on a copper reflector, sand surfaces of different grain sizes and a clay surface. Looking at the basic principles of scattering from surfaces, and doing measurements in a controlled laboratory environment, one wanted to look into the possibilities of characterizing the bottom.