High-resolution bathymetry and acoustic-backscatter data collected in 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2010 in Skagit Bay, Washington

This data release provides the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center (PCMSC) 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2010 bathymetry data that was collected in Skagit Bay, Washington as well as a merged 2005-2010 bathymetry grid. Also, this data release provides the acoustic-backscatter as a merged 2005-2010 backscatter image. All bathymetry grids are provided at 1-m spatial resolution, while the acoustic-backscatter image is provided at 5-m resolution. All files have accompanying FGDC metadata.

In 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2010 the USGS PCMSC collected bathymetry and acoustic backscatter data in Skagit Bay, Washington using an interferometric bathymetric sidescan sonar system mounded to the USGS R/V Parke Snavely and the USGS R/V Karluk. The research was conducted in coordination with the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Skagit River System Cooperative, Skagit Watershed Council, Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to characterize estuarine habitats and processes, including the sediment budget of the Skagit River and the influence of river-delta channelization on sediment transport. Information quantifying the distribution of habitats and extent that sediment transport influences habitats and the morphology of the delta is useful for planning for salmon recovery, agricultural resilience, flood risk protection, and coastal change associated with sea-level rise.