Sidescan-sonar surveys of critical habitats in Long Island Sound, Connecticut

The Long Island Sound estuary is located in the most densely populated region of the U.S.. Due to the enormous surrounding population, large inputs of anthropogenic wastes and toxic chemicals, benthic habitats were degraded. To address this environmental problem, sidescan-sonar mosaics are being developed within specific areas of critical concern. Detailed bathymetric and high-resolution seismic-reflection data assist in interpretations of relief, to relate bottom features to the underlying stratigraphy, and to estimate thicknesses of surficial sediments. To date, several continuous-coverage sidescan-sonar surveys have been completed. These surveys show that the sedimentary environments and benthic habitats in Long Island Sound vary spatially over short distances.