Seafloor Mapping

Seismic source for marine reflection surveys

Description of the high-resolution multichannel seismic system at the Marine Facility (MarFac) of the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, for seafloor mapping

Over the last 100 years, the Queen Charlotte-Fairweather fault system has produced large-magnitude earthquakes affecting both Canada and the U.S. To fill in missing details about its offshore location and structure, USGS uses sophisticated techniques to truly understand the fault’s hazard potential.

USGS scientists are collaborating with multiple agencies to provide the esssential foundation for understanding these deep-sea environments.

Benthic OBservation camera Sled, or “BOB Sled,” is and underwater video camera system that can operate to depths of 700 meters.

Mini Benthic OBservation camera Sled, or “Mini BOB Sled,” is and underwater video tow fish that can operate to depths of 75 meters.

The ITER Systems SWATHplus 234 kHz is an interferometric bathymetric survey tool for surveys in water depths from 1 to 200 meters.

The Teledyne Reson 7111 is a multibeam echosounder system that produces bathymetry, or depth, data in deep water.

A sub-bottom profiler like the EdgeTech SB-512i Chirp emits acoustic pulses to produce an image of the layers of sediment below the seafloor.

A sub-bottom profiler like the EdgeTech SB-516 Chirp emits acoustic pulses to produce an image of the layers of sediment below the seafloor.

Information about the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center's research vessel Parke Snavely , acquired in November 2007.

The USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center uses a wide variety of vessels, from kayaks to open-ocean ships, to conduct fieldwork. Most vessels are managed by our Marine Facility, or MarFac.