Title :
Multisensor mapping of the deep seafloor with the Autonomous Benthic Explorer
Author :
Yoerger, Dana R. ; Bradley, Albert M. ; Singh, Hanumant ; Walden, Barrie B. ; Cormier, Marie-Helene ; Ryan, William B F
Author_Institution :
Woods Hole Oceanogr. Instn., MA, USA
Abstract :
We used the Autonomous Benthic Explorer (ABE) to create maps of an active spreading center on the mid-ocean ridge at a depth of 2600 meters. We took advantage of ABEs precise navigation and bottom following capabilities and produced detailed bathymetric maps with a scanning sonar, and photo-mosaics using ABE´s video snapshot system, and measured the temperature and optical backscatter of the water. Refinement of ABE´s transponder fixes, based on using returns gathered at the vehicle, contributed to the consistency of the results
Keywords :
bathymetry; navigation; sonar tracking; underwater vehicles; 2600 m; Autonomous Benthic Explorer; acoustic navigation; bathymetric maps; deep seafloor; mid-ocean ridge; multisensor mapping; optical backscatter; photo-mosaics; scanning sonar; temperature measurement; transponder; underwater vehicles; Acoustic sensors; Backscatter; Magnetic sensors; Optical sensors; Remotely operated vehicles; Sea floor; Sonar navigation; Temperature sensors; Transponders; Underwater vehicles;
Conference_Titel :
Underwater Technology, 2000. UT 00. Proceedings of the 2000 International Symposium on
Conference_Location :
Tokyo
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-6378-7
DOI :
10.1109/UT.2000.852552
