Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

California Seafloor Mapping Program map-set production Completed

By Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center October 30, 2018

USGS and the California Ocean Protection Council (COPC) are supporting development of peer-reviewed map sets for California’s mainland State Waters.

About the Program

Fish on seafloor, Offshore Northern California

Main page of the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP).

CMSP Home Page

More Program Information

Learn about our data collection methods and techniques, find map block names and corresponding links to data, and see examples of how our data is used in coastal zone management and research.

USGS and the California Ocean Protection Council (COPC) are supporting development of peer-reviewed map sets for California’s mainland State Waters. Each map set contains 10 downloadable pdf map sheets (most at 1:24,000) for a selected coastal “block.” Map sheets show bathymetry, backscatter, perspective views, seafloor “character” (video-supervised automated classification of bathymetry and backscatter), groundtruthing imagery, potential habitats, seismic-reflection profiles, sediment distribution and thickness, and onshore-offshore geology. Some map sets include additional thematic sheets that highlight detailed geomorphology, predicted distribution of benthic macro-invertebrates, and natural offshore hydrocarbon seepage. These map publications also include an explanatory pamphlet and a set of digital data layers (about 20 to 25 per mapping block) that are compiled in a USGS CSMP Data Catalog (Golden, 2014).

Consult the Progress page for the latest news on publications. As of April 2018, 25 complete map sets have been published. Each map set represents a large collaborative effort (42 co-authors have been involved) representing federal, state, academic, and private-sector partners. The examples shown below are from the “Hueneme Canyon and Vicinity” map set. 

  • Sheet 1: Colored Shaded-Relief Bathymetry
  • Sheet 2: Shaded-Relief Bathymetry – gray scale
  • Sheet 3: Acoustic Backscatter
  • Sheet 4: Data Integration and Visualization
  • Sheet 5: Seafloor Character
  • Sheet 6: Ground-Truth Studies
  • Sheet 7: Potential Marine Benthic Habitats
  • Sheet 8: Seismic-Reflection Profiles
  • Sheet 9: Local and Regional Shallow-Subsurface Geology and Structure
  • Sheet 10: Offshore and Onshore Geology and Geomorphology
  • Sheet 11: Detailed Geology and Geomorphology
  • Sheet 12: Predicted Distribution of Benthic Macro-Invertebrates
Seafloor image showing depth with lots of text of explanation.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
Colored Shaded-Relief Bathymetry (Sheet 1): Fine-scale seafloor geomorphology is revealed in both gray and color-coded shaded-relief digital elevation models (DEM) created from multibeam sonar bathymetry data and bathymetric LiDAR. The color-coded shaded-relief map reveals detailed depth information.
Seafloor image showing depth with lots of text of explanation.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
Shaded-Relief Bathymetry – gray-scale (Sheet 2): Fine-scale seafloor geomorphology is revealed in both gray and color-coded shaded-relief digital elevation models (DEM) created from multibeam sonar bathymetry data and bathymetric LiDAR. The gray shaded-relief map is used to take advantage of the human eye's ability to discern finer detail in black and white versus color imagery.
Seafloor map shows the varied intensity of the sonar pulse returned to the ship depending on the substrate it encounters.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
Acoustic Backscatter (Sheet 3): Gray-scale backscatter maps show the intensity of an acoustic pulse reflected off the seafloor and recorded by the multibeam transducer. Brighter tones indicate a strong acoustic return (typically a hard bottom consisting of rock or coarse sand) whereas darker tones indicate a weaker acoustic return (typically fine sand or mud). These data aid in the seafloor character, geology, and habitat interpretations because the signal is partially influenced by the composition and roughness of the seafloor.
Collage of maps showing various perspective 3-D views of the seafloor that reveal distibguishable features.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
Data Integration and Visualization (Sheet 4): Perspective views are three-dimensional representations of the seafloor that highlight and reveal details of important geomorphic features such as submarine canyons, rocky reefs, or scour depressions. Block diagrams that merge the bathymetry data with seismic-reflection profiles provide insights on the controls of subsurface structure on seafloor morphology. Video-mosaic images created from digital seafloor video display the geologic complexity (rock, sand, and mud; see Sheet 10) and biologic complexity of the seafloor.
Seafloor character map reveals the different sediment types on the seafloor.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
Seafloor Character (Sheet 5): The seafloor character map is produced using video-supervised maximum likelihood classification of the bathymetry and backscatter (intensity of return) signals from sonar systems (Cochrane, 2008). Derivative roughness (rugosity) and backscatter intensity were used as variants in the classification. The substrate classes are then divided into the California Marine Life Protection Act depth zones.
Collage of maps and photographs of the seafloor show how scientists correlate the sediment variations with potential habitats.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
Ground-Truth Studies (Sheet 6): This sheet shows the seafloor character map, tracklines of ground-truthing camera transects, and images from both still and video cameras collected along the tracklines. This imagery is used to validate and inform seafloor character (Sheet 5), potential benthic habitat (Sheet 7), and geologic maps (Sheet 10)
Seafloor map drawn with different blocks labeled to show the boundaries of potential sea life habitats.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
Potential Marine Benthic Habitats (Sheet 7): The map on Sheet 7 shows “potential” marine benthic habitats, representing a substrate type, geomorphology, seafloor process, or any other attribute that may provide a habitat for a specific species or assemblage of organisms.
Collage of maps and cross-sectional profiles that reveal the sediment character and structure of the earth's crust.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
Seismic-Reflection Profiles (Sheet 8): The seismic-reflection profiles compiled on Sheet 8 provide a third dimension, depth, to complement the surficial seafloor-mapping data presented on Sheets 1 through 7. The seismic-reflection profiles provide information on sediment character, distribution, and thickness, as well as potential geologic hazards, including active faults, areas prone to strong ground motion, and tsunamigenic slope failures.
Seafloor maps show geology and structure of the earth's crust.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
Local and Regional Shallow-Subsurface Geology and Structure (Sheet 9): Maps on Sheet 9 (largely derived from seismic-reflection profiles) show the distribution and thickness of the uppermost sediment unit; the depth-to-base of this uppermost unit; and both the local and regional distribution of faults and earthquake epicenters.
Seafloor and coastal area maps show geology and geomorphology.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
Offshore and Onshore Geology and Geomorphology (Sheet 10): Merged offshore-onshore geologic map shows and describes (age, composition) different geologic units, contacts and relationships between units, geologic structure (faults and folds), and geomorphic landforms. These maps are collaborations between the USGS (offshore mapping) and the California Geological Survey (onshore mapping).
Various maps show important features of the seafloor like geology, slope, and curvature.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
Detailed Geology and Geomorphology (Sheet 11): Important geologic and geomorphic details are shown on the geology, slope, and curvature maps on this sheet.
Seafloor maps show computer-generated predictions of where to find common deep-water macro-invertebrate taxa.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
Predicted Distribution of Benthic Macro-Invertebrates (Sheet 12): Sheet 12 displays predictive models of occurrence for common benthic macro-invertebrate taxa and maps the probability of occurrence of these taxa in the Santa Barbara Channel. These models are based on real-time biological observations of all macro-organisms made during ground-truth surveys (Sheet 6).

Learn about the California Seafloor Mapping Program.

link
Fish on seafloor, Offshore Northern California

California Seafloor Mapping Program

The California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP) is a cooperative program to create a comprehensive coastal and marine geologic and habitat base map series for all of California's State waters.
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Big Sur Landslides, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
link

California Seafloor Mapping Program

The California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP) is a cooperative program to create a comprehensive coastal and marine geologic and habitat base map series for all of California's State waters.
Learn More
  • Overview

    USGS and the California Ocean Protection Council (COPC) are supporting development of peer-reviewed map sets for California’s mainland State Waters.

    About the Program

    Fish on seafloor, Offshore Northern California

    Main page of the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP).

    CMSP Home Page

    More Program Information

    Learn about our data collection methods and techniques, find map block names and corresponding links to data, and see examples of how our data is used in coastal zone management and research.

    USGS and the California Ocean Protection Council (COPC) are supporting development of peer-reviewed map sets for California’s mainland State Waters. Each map set contains 10 downloadable pdf map sheets (most at 1:24,000) for a selected coastal “block.” Map sheets show bathymetry, backscatter, perspective views, seafloor “character” (video-supervised automated classification of bathymetry and backscatter), groundtruthing imagery, potential habitats, seismic-reflection profiles, sediment distribution and thickness, and onshore-offshore geology. Some map sets include additional thematic sheets that highlight detailed geomorphology, predicted distribution of benthic macro-invertebrates, and natural offshore hydrocarbon seepage. These map publications also include an explanatory pamphlet and a set of digital data layers (about 20 to 25 per mapping block) that are compiled in a USGS CSMP Data Catalog (Golden, 2014).

    Consult the Progress page for the latest news on publications. As of April 2018, 25 complete map sets have been published. Each map set represents a large collaborative effort (42 co-authors have been involved) representing federal, state, academic, and private-sector partners. The examples shown below are from the “Hueneme Canyon and Vicinity” map set. 

    • Sheet 1: Colored Shaded-Relief Bathymetry
    • Sheet 2: Shaded-Relief Bathymetry – gray scale
    • Sheet 3: Acoustic Backscatter
    • Sheet 4: Data Integration and Visualization
    • Sheet 5: Seafloor Character
    • Sheet 6: Ground-Truth Studies
    • Sheet 7: Potential Marine Benthic Habitats
    • Sheet 8: Seismic-Reflection Profiles
    • Sheet 9: Local and Regional Shallow-Subsurface Geology and Structure
    • Sheet 10: Offshore and Onshore Geology and Geomorphology
    • Sheet 11: Detailed Geology and Geomorphology
    • Sheet 12: Predicted Distribution of Benthic Macro-Invertebrates
    Seafloor image showing depth with lots of text of explanation.
    Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
    Colored Shaded-Relief Bathymetry (Sheet 1): Fine-scale seafloor geomorphology is revealed in both gray and color-coded shaded-relief digital elevation models (DEM) created from multibeam sonar bathymetry data and bathymetric LiDAR. The color-coded shaded-relief map reveals detailed depth information.
    Seafloor image showing depth with lots of text of explanation.
    Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
    Shaded-Relief Bathymetry – gray-scale (Sheet 2): Fine-scale seafloor geomorphology is revealed in both gray and color-coded shaded-relief digital elevation models (DEM) created from multibeam sonar bathymetry data and bathymetric LiDAR. The gray shaded-relief map is used to take advantage of the human eye's ability to discern finer detail in black and white versus color imagery.
    Seafloor map shows the varied intensity of the sonar pulse returned to the ship depending on the substrate it encounters.
    Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
    Acoustic Backscatter (Sheet 3): Gray-scale backscatter maps show the intensity of an acoustic pulse reflected off the seafloor and recorded by the multibeam transducer. Brighter tones indicate a strong acoustic return (typically a hard bottom consisting of rock or coarse sand) whereas darker tones indicate a weaker acoustic return (typically fine sand or mud). These data aid in the seafloor character, geology, and habitat interpretations because the signal is partially influenced by the composition and roughness of the seafloor.
    Collage of maps showing various perspective 3-D views of the seafloor that reveal distibguishable features.
    Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
    Data Integration and Visualization (Sheet 4): Perspective views are three-dimensional representations of the seafloor that highlight and reveal details of important geomorphic features such as submarine canyons, rocky reefs, or scour depressions. Block diagrams that merge the bathymetry data with seismic-reflection profiles provide insights on the controls of subsurface structure on seafloor morphology. Video-mosaic images created from digital seafloor video display the geologic complexity (rock, sand, and mud; see Sheet 10) and biologic complexity of the seafloor.
    Seafloor character map reveals the different sediment types on the seafloor.
    Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
    Seafloor Character (Sheet 5): The seafloor character map is produced using video-supervised maximum likelihood classification of the bathymetry and backscatter (intensity of return) signals from sonar systems (Cochrane, 2008). Derivative roughness (rugosity) and backscatter intensity were used as variants in the classification. The substrate classes are then divided into the California Marine Life Protection Act depth zones.
    Collage of maps and photographs of the seafloor show how scientists correlate the sediment variations with potential habitats.
    Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
    Ground-Truth Studies (Sheet 6): This sheet shows the seafloor character map, tracklines of ground-truthing camera transects, and images from both still and video cameras collected along the tracklines. This imagery is used to validate and inform seafloor character (Sheet 5), potential benthic habitat (Sheet 7), and geologic maps (Sheet 10)
    Seafloor map drawn with different blocks labeled to show the boundaries of potential sea life habitats.
    Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
    Potential Marine Benthic Habitats (Sheet 7): The map on Sheet 7 shows “potential” marine benthic habitats, representing a substrate type, geomorphology, seafloor process, or any other attribute that may provide a habitat for a specific species or assemblage of organisms.
    Collage of maps and cross-sectional profiles that reveal the sediment character and structure of the earth's crust.
    Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
    Seismic-Reflection Profiles (Sheet 8): The seismic-reflection profiles compiled on Sheet 8 provide a third dimension, depth, to complement the surficial seafloor-mapping data presented on Sheets 1 through 7. The seismic-reflection profiles provide information on sediment character, distribution, and thickness, as well as potential geologic hazards, including active faults, areas prone to strong ground motion, and tsunamigenic slope failures.
    Seafloor maps show geology and structure of the earth's crust.
    Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
    Local and Regional Shallow-Subsurface Geology and Structure (Sheet 9): Maps on Sheet 9 (largely derived from seismic-reflection profiles) show the distribution and thickness of the uppermost sediment unit; the depth-to-base of this uppermost unit; and both the local and regional distribution of faults and earthquake epicenters.
    Seafloor and coastal area maps show geology and geomorphology.
    Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
    Offshore and Onshore Geology and Geomorphology (Sheet 10): Merged offshore-onshore geologic map shows and describes (age, composition) different geologic units, contacts and relationships between units, geologic structure (faults and folds), and geomorphic landforms. These maps are collaborations between the USGS (offshore mapping) and the California Geological Survey (onshore mapping).
    Various maps show important features of the seafloor like geology, slope, and curvature.
    Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
    Detailed Geology and Geomorphology (Sheet 11): Important geologic and geomorphic details are shown on the geology, slope, and curvature maps on this sheet.
    Seafloor maps show computer-generated predictions of where to find common deep-water macro-invertebrate taxa.
    Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
    Predicted Distribution of Benthic Macro-Invertebrates (Sheet 12): Sheet 12 displays predictive models of occurrence for common benthic macro-invertebrate taxa and maps the probability of occurrence of these taxa in the Santa Barbara Channel. These models are based on real-time biological observations of all macro-organisms made during ground-truth surveys (Sheet 6).
  • Science

    Learn about the California Seafloor Mapping Program.

    link
    Fish on seafloor, Offshore Northern California

    California Seafloor Mapping Program

    The California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP) is a cooperative program to create a comprehensive coastal and marine geologic and habitat base map series for all of California's State waters.
    By
    Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Big Sur Landslides, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
    link

    California Seafloor Mapping Program

    The California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP) is a cooperative program to create a comprehensive coastal and marine geologic and habitat base map series for all of California's State waters.
    Learn More