Acoustic backscatter data

Acoustic backscatter data show the intensity of an acoustic pulse off the seafloor and back to a ship. Brighter tones indicate a strong intensity (possibly harder seafloor?), while darker ones indicate a weaker intensity (possibly softer seafloor?). Many seafloor physical parameters influence backscatter intensity but these data are helpful in determining the distribution of seafloor geology (i.e. rock, sand, mud).