Suspended sediment concentration field quantified from a calibrated MultiBeam EchoSounder

Acoustic scattering can be used to estimate Suspended Sediment Concentration (SSC) through acoustic inversion methods. Current SSC quantification methods are mostly unable observe both spatial and temporal variations. Here, we assess the possibility measure using a Multibeam Echosounder (MBES). MBES combine large covering in water column capability ‘on route’, allowing better representativity of measurements. Time-series raw EM3002-MBES data at 300 kHz were acquired during 5-hours field experiment fixed location Aulne macrotidal estuary (France) ebb, ensuring sufficient Concurrently, 4-frequencies Backscattering System (ABS) profiles column, as well turbidity profiles, further converted into collected samples. An original in-situ calibration was performed on MBES, tungsten sphere known properties, which allowed corrections made volume backscattered levels over echosounder fan. Using ABS-derived equivalent radii, signal inverted retrieve an estimate. Good consistency between time-series observations turbidity-derived is observed. This demonstrates potential use for 3-dimensional coastal areas, great interest sediment flux quantification.