Relating side scan sonar backscatter data to geotechnical properties for the investigation of surficial seabed sediments

Abstract Side scan sonar is a common tool for seafloor imaging and surveying due its efficiency high resolution. The backscatter information from side enables to identify sediment types seabed roughness, often used study dynamics. Theory suggests that can be correlated the geotechnical properties of surface. This could enhance prediction erodibility characterization, considering offer large spatial coverage in short time. In this study, high-frequency (1000 kHz) data, samples, in-situ strength profiles were collected surface at ten locations. Statistical analysis data compared with showed trends between mean backscatter, soil strength, textural properties. Generally, increased when grain size water content fines decreased. However, roughness bedforms, presence oysters, shell hash as well variations (i.e., porosity) heavily influenced sometimes masked any relationships directly.