A Field Method for Backscatter Calibration Applied to NOAA's Reson 7125
Title | A Field Method for Backscatter Calibration Applied to NOAA's Reson 7125 |
Publication Type | Thesis |
Year | 2014 |
Authors | Welton, B |
Degree and Program | Master of Science, Ocean Engineering |
Number of Pages | 120 |
Date Published | 05/2014 |
University | University of New Hampshire |
Location | Durham, NH |
Acoustic seafloor backscatter measurements made by multiple Reson multibeamecho-sounders (MBES) used for hydrographic survey are observed to be inconsistent, affecting the quality of data products and impeding large-scale processing efforts. A method to conduct a relative inter and intra sonar calibration in the field using dual frequency Reson 7125 MBES has been developed, tested, and evaluated to improve the consistency of backscatter measurements made from multiple MBES systems. The approach is unique in that it determines a set of corrections for power, gain, pulse length, and an angle dependent calibration term relative to a single Reson 7125 MBES calibrated in an acoustic test tank. These corrections for each MBES can then be applied during processing for any acquisition setting combination. This approach seeks to reduce the need for subjective and inefficient manual data or data product manipulation during post processing, providing a foundation for improved automated seafloor characterization using data from more than one MBES system. |