This animation takes the viewer down the Glen Canyon from Bullfrog Bay to the Rincon, in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. New high resolution multibeam bathymetry collected by the USGS in 2018 shows the submerged portions of Glen Canyon.
Sea Floor Mapping Group Active
The Sea Floor Mapping Group (SFMG) is a core capability at the Woods Hole Coastal & Marine Science Center (WHCMSC) that provides support for coastal, lacustrine and marine geologic research. The staff has a wide-range of expertise and is responsible for geophysical and sampling data acquisition, processing, interpretation and publication, logistics, design, and research and development. SFMG has successfully supported Coastal/Marine Hazards and Resources Program research for more than 25 years.
Science Applications
SFMG uses acoustic and optical techniques to acquire detailed geologic information about the sea floor, such as seabed topography, sediment composition and distribution, and underlying geologic structure. This information defines the geologic framework and provides a base for a wide-range of USGS research.
Each year the SFMG supports dozens of research efforts, most recently including: gas hydrate and methane/carbon dioxide flux along the Atlantic margin; landslide and tsunami hazards along the mid-Atlantic and New England passive margin and the southeast Alaska active margin; characterization of mudflow hazards along the Mississippi River Delta Front; dive support for biological invasive species studies and benthic habitat studies; sediment characterization within the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary; field observations in support of sea-level rise storm response studies along the east coast; and mapping lake floor topography and underlying stratigraphy in support of natural resource management within western reservoirs and Great Lakes.
Sea Floor Mapping Capabilities
SFMG maintains a suite of instruments used to map the seafloor surface and underlying structure in shallow to deep-water environments. These instruments include: multibeam, single-beam, and split beam echo sounders, sidescan-sonar, phase differencing bathymetric sonar, single- and multichannel seismic-reflection systems, and sample equipment designed to collect sediment samples, still photographs, and/or video images of the sea floor.
SFMG is a diverse team of marine electronics technicians, engineers, geologists, physical scientists, geographers, and visual and imaging specialists. This group has expertise in collecting, processing and interpreting geophysical and sample data in lacustrine, coastal and marine environments.
SFMG staff regularly collaborates with scientists at Universities, federal and state agencies, and the private sector to support collaborative research, and to help develop new software and hardware remote sensing techniques.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
This animation takes the viewer down the Glen Canyon from Bullfrog Bay to the Rincon, in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. New high resolution multibeam bathymetry collected by the USGS in 2018 shows the submerged portions of Glen Canyon.
Sediment transport team members attach a quick-release to the top of a bottom lander prior to deployment
Sediment transport team members attach a quick-release to the top of a bottom lander prior to deployment
The R/V Muddy Waters lends itself to be a versatile survey launch and assistance vessel for the deployment and retrieval of inshore moorings and scientific sensor platforms. The boat can easily be towed to location by a full sized pickup truck and is easily launched and retrieved for fast mobilization after storm events or other rapid response surveys.
The R/V Muddy Waters lends itself to be a versatile survey launch and assistance vessel for the deployment and retrieval of inshore moorings and scientific sensor platforms. The boat can easily be towed to location by a full sized pickup truck and is easily launched and retrieved for fast mobilization after storm events or other rapid response surveys.
USGS R/V Stephens operating within Lake Powell, UT-AZ. A multibeam echosounder is deployed off the starboard side of the vessel and is used to collect depth information within the reservoir.
USGS R/V Stephens operating within Lake Powell, UT-AZ. A multibeam echosounder is deployed off the starboard side of the vessel and is used to collect depth information within the reservoir.
The USGS Utah Water Science Center and the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center conducted a collaborative geophysical research effort within Lake Powell, UT-AZ to map the bathymetry of the lake and characterize shallow sediment deposition near the mouths of the San Juan and Colorado Rivers.
The USGS Utah Water Science Center and the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center conducted a collaborative geophysical research effort within Lake Powell, UT-AZ to map the bathymetry of the lake and characterize shallow sediment deposition near the mouths of the San Juan and Colorado Rivers.
Browse collage for 2017-003-FA data release
Browse collage for 2017-003-FA data release
Overview of the 4 Continuous Bathymetry and Elevation Models of the Massachusetts Coastal Zone and Continental Shelf
Overview of the 4 Continuous Bathymetry and Elevation Models of the Massachusetts Coastal Zone and Continental Shelf
Long Island Sound Survey mapping team. This project is a collaboration of several agencies and institutions including Univ of Connecticut, Univ of New Haven, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, NOAA, LDEO, USGS
Long Island Sound Survey mapping team. This project is a collaboration of several agencies and institutions including Univ of Connecticut, Univ of New Haven, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, NOAA, LDEO, USGS
SeaBOSS on the fantail of the R/V Connecticut on Long Island Sound at sunrise
SeaBOSS on the fantail of the R/V Connecticut on Long Island Sound at sunrise
Image of the SeaBOSS and USGS personnel on the fantail of the R/V Connecticut in Long Island Sound
Image of the SeaBOSS and USGS personnel on the fantail of the R/V Connecticut in Long Island Sound
Seafloor photograph of a spider crab, sediment, rocks, taken by the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center SeaBOSS during a deployment off the R/V Connecticut in Long Island Sound
Seafloor photograph of a spider crab, sediment, rocks, taken by the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center SeaBOSS during a deployment off the R/V Connecticut in Long Island Sound
Wayne Baldwin, USGS, deploys a sound velocity profiler off the stern of the R/V Stephens in Lake Powell, UT-AZ as part of a collaborative program with the Utah Water Science Center to map the depth and sediments within Lake Powell, UT-AZ.
Wayne Baldwin, USGS, deploys a sound velocity profiler off the stern of the R/V Stephens in Lake Powell, UT-AZ as part of a collaborative program with the Utah Water Science Center to map the depth and sediments within Lake Powell, UT-AZ.
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Science Stroll participants; Dann Blackwood, Andrea Toran, Emily Sturdivant, Ellyn Montgomery, Sara Zeigler, Neil Ganju, Seth Ackerman, Laura Brothers, Meagan Gonneea
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Science Stroll participants; Dann Blackwood, Andrea Toran, Emily Sturdivant, Ellyn Montgomery, Sara Zeigler, Neil Ganju, Seth Ackerman, Laura Brothers, Meagan Gonneea
SeaBOSS Selfies were a big hit at the 2017 Woods Hole Science Stroll.
SeaBOSS Selfies were a big hit at the 2017 Woods Hole Science Stroll.
SeaBOSS operations were conducted north of Nantucket, MA as part of an agreement with the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management to map the geology of MA waters.
SeaBOSS operations were conducted north of Nantucket, MA as part of an agreement with the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management to map the geology of MA waters.
SEABed Observation and Sampling System (SeaBOSS) operations were conducted north of Nantucket, MA as part of an agreement with Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management to map the geology of Massachusetts waters .
SEABed Observation and Sampling System (SeaBOSS) operations were conducted north of Nantucket, MA as part of an agreement with Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management to map the geology of Massachusetts waters .
Digital still photograph from Massachusetts Bay near Scituate, MA showing Spiny Sunstar (Crossaster papposus), yellow encrusting Crumb of Bread Sponge (Halichondria panacea) on rock (top center), white tubular (right bottom corner) and boulders covered in pink bubblegum algae. Water depth at this location is approximately 27 meters.
Digital still photograph from Massachusetts Bay near Scituate, MA showing Spiny Sunstar (Crossaster papposus), yellow encrusting Crumb of Bread Sponge (Halichondria panacea) on rock (top center), white tubular (right bottom corner) and boulders covered in pink bubblegum algae. Water depth at this location is approximately 27 meters.
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center scientists aboard the RV Rafael prepare to launch the Mini SEABOSS just off of Nantucket! The Mini SEABOSS collects samples, photos and video of the seafloor.
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center scientists aboard the RV Rafael prepare to launch the Mini SEABOSS just off of Nantucket! The Mini SEABOSS collects samples, photos and video of the seafloor.
Glacier Bay, Alaska, dive team.
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center personnel process data in the dry lab on the M/V Scarlett Isabella
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center personnel process data in the dry lab on the M/V Scarlett Isabella
Map showing the tracklines and grab sample sites of the 2014 and 2015 geophysical surveys offshore of the Delmarva Peninsula.
Map showing the tracklines and grab sample sites of the 2014 and 2015 geophysical surveys offshore of the Delmarva Peninsula.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Change in morphology and modern sediment thickness on the inner continental shelf offshore of Fire Island, New York between 2011 and 2014: Analysis of hurricane impact
Assessing the impact of Hurricanes Irene and Sandy on the morphology and modern sediment thickness on the inner continental shelf offshore of Fire Island, New York
The impact of Hurricane Sandy on the shoreface and inner shelf of Fire Island, New York: large bedform migration but limited erosion
Maps showing the change in modern sediment thickness on the Inner Continental Shelf offshore of Fire Island, New York, between 1996-97 and 2011
Maps showing bathymetry and modern sediment thickness on the inner continental shelf offshore of Fire Island, New York, pre-Hurricane Sandy
Modification of the Quaternary stratigraphic framework of the inner-continental shelf by Holocene marine transgression: An example offshore of Fire Island, New York
High-resolution swath interferometric data collected within Muskeget Channel, Massachusetts
- Overview
The Sea Floor Mapping Group (SFMG) is a core capability at the Woods Hole Coastal & Marine Science Center (WHCMSC) that provides support for coastal, lacustrine and marine geologic research. The staff has a wide-range of expertise and is responsible for geophysical and sampling data acquisition, processing, interpretation and publication, logistics, design, and research and development. SFMG has successfully supported Coastal/Marine Hazards and Resources Program research for more than 25 years.
Science Applications
SFMG uses acoustic and optical techniques to acquire detailed geologic information about the sea floor, such as seabed topography, sediment composition and distribution, and underlying geologic structure. This information defines the geologic framework and provides a base for a wide-range of USGS research.
Each year the SFMG supports dozens of research efforts, most recently including: gas hydrate and methane/carbon dioxide flux along the Atlantic margin; landslide and tsunami hazards along the mid-Atlantic and New England passive margin and the southeast Alaska active margin; characterization of mudflow hazards along the Mississippi River Delta Front; dive support for biological invasive species studies and benthic habitat studies; sediment characterization within the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary; field observations in support of sea-level rise storm response studies along the east coast; and mapping lake floor topography and underlying stratigraphy in support of natural resource management within western reservoirs and Great Lakes.
Sea Floor Mapping Capabilities
SFMG maintains a suite of instruments used to map the seafloor surface and underlying structure in shallow to deep-water environments. These instruments include: multibeam, single-beam, and split beam echo sounders, sidescan-sonar, phase differencing bathymetric sonar, single- and multichannel seismic-reflection systems, and sample equipment designed to collect sediment samples, still photographs, and/or video images of the sea floor.
SFMG is a diverse team of marine electronics technicians, engineers, geologists, physical scientists, geographers, and visual and imaging specialists. This group has expertise in collecting, processing and interpreting geophysical and sample data in lacustrine, coastal and marine environments.
SFMG staff regularly collaborates with scientists at Universities, federal and state agencies, and the private sector to support collaborative research, and to help develop new software and hardware remote sensing techniques.
- Multimedia
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 27Virtual tour of Glen Canyon between Bullfrog Bay and the RinconVirtual tour of Glen Canyon between Bullfrog Bay and the RinconVirtual tour of Glen Canyon between Bullfrog Bay and the RinconThis animation takes the viewer down the Glen Canyon from Bullfrog Bay to the Rincon, in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. New high resolution multibeam bathymetry collected by the USGS in 2018 shows the submerged portions of Glen Canyon.
This animation takes the viewer down the Glen Canyon from Bullfrog Bay to the Rincon, in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. New high resolution multibeam bathymetry collected by the USGS in 2018 shows the submerged portions of Glen Canyon.
USGS Team Work!Sediment transport team members attach a quick-release to the top of a bottom lander prior to deployment
Sediment transport team members attach a quick-release to the top of a bottom lander prior to deployment
R/V Muddy WatersThe R/V Muddy Waters lends itself to be a versatile survey launch and assistance vessel for the deployment and retrieval of inshore moorings and scientific sensor platforms. The boat can easily be towed to location by a full sized pickup truck and is easily launched and retrieved for fast mobilization after storm events or other rapid response surveys.
The R/V Muddy Waters lends itself to be a versatile survey launch and assistance vessel for the deployment and retrieval of inshore moorings and scientific sensor platforms. The boat can easily be towed to location by a full sized pickup truck and is easily launched and retrieved for fast mobilization after storm events or other rapid response surveys.
Lake Powell Geophysical SurveyUSGS R/V Stephens operating within Lake Powell, UT-AZ. A multibeam echosounder is deployed off the starboard side of the vessel and is used to collect depth information within the reservoir.
USGS R/V Stephens operating within Lake Powell, UT-AZ. A multibeam echosounder is deployed off the starboard side of the vessel and is used to collect depth information within the reservoir.
Lake PowellThe USGS Utah Water Science Center and the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center conducted a collaborative geophysical research effort within Lake Powell, UT-AZ to map the bathymetry of the lake and characterize shallow sediment deposition near the mouths of the San Juan and Colorado Rivers.
The USGS Utah Water Science Center and the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center conducted a collaborative geophysical research effort within Lake Powell, UT-AZ to map the bathymetry of the lake and characterize shallow sediment deposition near the mouths of the San Juan and Colorado Rivers.
Browse collage for 2017-003-FA data releaseBrowse collage for 2017-003-FA data release
Browse collage for 2017-003-FA data release
Bathymetry and Elevation Models of the Massachusetts Coastal ZoneBathymetry and Elevation Models of the Massachusetts Coastal ZoneOverview of the 4 Continuous Bathymetry and Elevation Models of the Massachusetts Coastal Zone and Continental Shelf
Overview of the 4 Continuous Bathymetry and Elevation Models of the Massachusetts Coastal Zone and Continental Shelf
Long Island Sound Survey TeamLong Island Sound Survey mapping team. This project is a collaboration of several agencies and institutions including Univ of Connecticut, Univ of New Haven, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, NOAA, LDEO, USGS
Long Island Sound Survey mapping team. This project is a collaboration of several agencies and institutions including Univ of Connecticut, Univ of New Haven, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, NOAA, LDEO, USGS
SeaBOSS on the fantail of the R/V Connecticut on Long Island SoundSeaBOSS on the fantail of the R/V Connecticut on Long Island SoundSeaBOSS on the fantail of the R/V Connecticut on Long Island Sound at sunrise
SeaBOSS on the fantail of the R/V Connecticut on Long Island Sound at sunrise
SeaBOSS Survey on Long Island SoundImage of the SeaBOSS and USGS personnel on the fantail of the R/V Connecticut in Long Island Sound
Image of the SeaBOSS and USGS personnel on the fantail of the R/V Connecticut in Long Island Sound
Feeling crabbySeafloor photograph of a spider crab, sediment, rocks, taken by the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center SeaBOSS during a deployment off the R/V Connecticut in Long Island Sound
Seafloor photograph of a spider crab, sediment, rocks, taken by the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center SeaBOSS during a deployment off the R/V Connecticut in Long Island Sound
Deploying equipment from small boatWayne Baldwin, USGS, deploys a sound velocity profiler off the stern of the R/V Stephens in Lake Powell, UT-AZ as part of a collaborative program with the Utah Water Science Center to map the depth and sediments within Lake Powell, UT-AZ.
Wayne Baldwin, USGS, deploys a sound velocity profiler off the stern of the R/V Stephens in Lake Powell, UT-AZ as part of a collaborative program with the Utah Water Science Center to map the depth and sediments within Lake Powell, UT-AZ.
USGS Science Stroll Dream TeamWoods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Science Stroll participants; Dann Blackwood, Andrea Toran, Emily Sturdivant, Ellyn Montgomery, Sara Zeigler, Neil Ganju, Seth Ackerman, Laura Brothers, Meagan Gonneea
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Science Stroll participants; Dann Blackwood, Andrea Toran, Emily Sturdivant, Ellyn Montgomery, Sara Zeigler, Neil Ganju, Seth Ackerman, Laura Brothers, Meagan Gonneea
Family fun with the SeaBOSS!SeaBOSS Selfies were a big hit at the 2017 Woods Hole Science Stroll.
SeaBOSS Selfies were a big hit at the 2017 Woods Hole Science Stroll.
SeaBOSS Deck Work OuttakeSeaBOSS operations were conducted north of Nantucket, MA as part of an agreement with the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management to map the geology of MA waters.
SeaBOSS operations were conducted north of Nantucket, MA as part of an agreement with the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management to map the geology of MA waters.
SeaBOSS off Nantucket, MASEABed Observation and Sampling System (SeaBOSS) operations were conducted north of Nantucket, MA as part of an agreement with Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management to map the geology of Massachusetts waters .
SEABed Observation and Sampling System (SeaBOSS) operations were conducted north of Nantucket, MA as part of an agreement with Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management to map the geology of Massachusetts waters .
Spiny SunstarDigital still photograph from Massachusetts Bay near Scituate, MA showing Spiny Sunstar (Crossaster papposus), yellow encrusting Crumb of Bread Sponge (Halichondria panacea) on rock (top center), white tubular (right bottom corner) and boulders covered in pink bubblegum algae. Water depth at this location is approximately 27 meters.
Digital still photograph from Massachusetts Bay near Scituate, MA showing Spiny Sunstar (Crossaster papposus), yellow encrusting Crumb of Bread Sponge (Halichondria panacea) on rock (top center), white tubular (right bottom corner) and boulders covered in pink bubblegum algae. Water depth at this location is approximately 27 meters.
Field Activity 2016-005-FA North of Nantucket, MAWoods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center scientists aboard the RV Rafael prepare to launch the Mini SEABOSS just off of Nantucket! The Mini SEABOSS collects samples, photos and video of the seafloor.
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center scientists aboard the RV Rafael prepare to launch the Mini SEABOSS just off of Nantucket! The Mini SEABOSS collects samples, photos and video of the seafloor.
Glacier Bay, Alaska dive teamGlacier Bay, Alaska, dive team.
Data Processing Center on the M/V Scarlett IsabellaData Processing Center on the M/V Scarlett IsabellaWoods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center personnel process data in the dry lab on the M/V Scarlett Isabella
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center personnel process data in the dry lab on the M/V Scarlett Isabella
Map showing the tracklines and grab sample sites of the 2014 and 2015Map showing the tracklines and grab sample sites of the 2014 and 2015Map showing the tracklines and grab sample sites of the 2014 and 2015 geophysical surveys offshore of the Delmarva Peninsula.
Map showing the tracklines and grab sample sites of the 2014 and 2015 geophysical surveys offshore of the Delmarva Peninsula.
- Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
Change in morphology and modern sediment thickness on the inner continental shelf offshore of Fire Island, New York between 2011 and 2014: Analysis of hurricane impact
Seafloor mapping investigations conducted on the lower shoreface and inner continental shelf offshore of Fire Island, New York in 2011 and 2014, the period encompassing the impacts of Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, provide an unprecedented perspective regarding regional inner continental shelf sediment dynamics during large storm events. Analyses of these studies demonstrate that storm-induced eroAuthorsWilliam C. Schwab, Wayne E. Baldwin, John C. Warner, Jeffrey H. List, Jane F. Denny, Maria Liste Munoz, Ilgar SafakAssessing the impact of Hurricanes Irene and Sandy on the morphology and modern sediment thickness on the inner continental shelf offshore of Fire Island, New York
This report documents the changes in seabed morphology and modern sediment thickness detected on the inner continental shelf offshore of Fire Island, New York, before and after Hurricanes Irene and Sandy made landfall. Comparison of acoustic backscatter imagery, seismic-reflection profiles, and bathymetry collected in 2011 and in 2014 show that sedimentary structures and depositional patterns moveAuthorsWilliam C. Schwab, Wayne E. Baldwin, Jane F. DennyThe impact of Hurricane Sandy on the shoreface and inner shelf of Fire Island, New York: large bedform migration but limited erosion
We investigate the impact of superstorm Sandy on the lower shoreface and inner shelf offshore the barrier island system of Fire Island, NY using before-and-after surveys involving swath bathymetry, backscatter and CHIRP acoustic reflection data. As sea level rises over the long term, the shoreface and inner shelf are eroded as barrier islands migrate landward; large storms like Sandy are thought tAuthorsJohn A. Goff, Roger D. Flood, James A. Austin, William C. Schwab, Beth A. Christensen, Cassandra M. Browne, Jane F. Denny, Wayne E. BaldwinMaps showing the change in modern sediment thickness on the Inner Continental Shelf offshore of Fire Island, New York, between 1996-97 and 2011
The U.S. Geological Survey mapped approximately 336 square kilometers of the lower shoreface and inner continental shelf offshore of Fire Island, New York, in 1996 and 1997, using high-resolution sidescan-sonar and seismic-reflection systems, and again in 2011, using interferometric sonar and high-resolution chirp seismic-reflection systems. This report presents a comparison of sediment thicknessAuthorsWilliam C. Schwab, Wayne E. Baldwin, Jane F. DennyMaps showing bathymetry and modern sediment thickness on the inner continental shelf offshore of Fire Island, New York, pre-Hurricane Sandy
The U.S. Geological Survey mapped approximately 336 square kilometers of the lower shoreface and inner continental shelf offshore of Fire Island, New York, in 2011 by using interferometric sonar and high-resolution chirp seismic-reflection systems. This report presents maps of bathymetry, acoustic backscatter, the coastal plain unconformity, the Holocene marine transgressive surface, and modern seAuthorsWilliam C. Schwab, Jane F. Denny, Wayne E. BaldwinModification of the Quaternary stratigraphic framework of the inner-continental shelf by Holocene marine transgression: An example offshore of Fire Island, New York
The inner-continental shelf off Fire Island, New York was mapped in 2011 using interferometric sonar and high-resolution chirp seismic-reflection systems. The area mapped is approximately 50 km long by 8 km wide, extending from Moriches Inlet to Fire Island Inlet in water depths ranging from 8 to 32 m. The morphology of this inner-continental shelf region and modern sediment distribution patternsAuthorsWilliam C. Schwab, Wayne E. Baldwin, Jane F. Denny, Cheryl J. Hapke, Paul T. Gayes, Jeffrey H. List, John C. WarnerHigh-resolution swath interferometric data collected within Muskeget Channel, Massachusetts
Swath interferometric bathymetery data were collected within and around Muskeget Channel and along select nearshore areas south and east of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. Data were collected aboard the U.S. Geological Survey research vessel Rafael in October and November 2010 in a collaborative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. This report dAuthorsElizabeth A. Pendleton, Jane F. Denny, William W. Danforth, Wayne E. Baldwin, Barry J. Irwin