Detailed geomorphological mapping of the sea bottom on the basis the Southern Baltic

Abstract

Selected examples of the detailed sea bottom geomorphological mapping from the Southern Baltic are presented. The offered assortment of different types of the bottom relief, which included macro, mezo and micro forms, show great possibility of using new non-invasive methods. The main method is the generation of digital elevation models based on multibeam echosounder registrations (MBS), which cover the whole surface of the surveyed seabed with accuracy higher than 10 cm. Additionally a simultaneous registration carried out by the side scan sonar gives an image of the bottom character. It is an underwater equivalent of LiDAR and airborne scanning on land. A further significant supplement of sea bottom recognition is provided by seismoacoustic profiling and grab or core samples. High accuracy of location of all data is ensured by the RTK GPS and Navigation System. Detailed geomorphological maps are necessary in order to perform any scientific and/or economical actions in the nearshore and open sea area.