Marine and Coastal Survey Techniques

Last updated:7 June 2023

Cowfish
Biological Sampling

In order to understand which animals are able to live under particular conditions, ecologists at Geoscience Australia use a range of methods to sample the seafloor.

Biological Sampling Learn more
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Photography and Video

Images of the seafloor are collected using video and still-photography cameras to allow scientists to study the seabed (benthic environment).

Photography and Video Learn more
Marine survey fieldwork
Sedimentary Coring and Drilling

Scientists use coring, drilling and sediment sampling equipment, to collect sediment and rock samples from the seafloor and the top few metres of the substrate.

Sedimentary Coring and Drilling Learn more
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Sonar

Marine geologists use sidescan sonar, multibeam sonar and shallow water sub-bottom profiling equipment to map the seafloor.

Sonar Learn more
Due to the limited audience of this diagram and its complexity, no alternative description has been provided. Please email clientservices@ga.gov.au
Bathymetry

Bathymetry is the study and mapping of sea floor topography.

Bathymetry Learn more
Marine survey fieldwork
Multibeam Backscatter

Backscatter data provides information on the ‘hardness’ of the sea floor and is used to differentiate between different types of sea floor, such as hard rock or soft sediment.

Multibeam Backscatter Learn more