Measurement Uncertainty Estimation of the Seafloor Acoustic Backscatter

Mashkoor Malik
Doctoral Dissertation Defense

Natural Resources and Earth Systems Science
UNH

Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019, 2:00pm
Chase 105
Abstract

Acoustic backscatter data derived from Multibeam Echo sounders are widely used for sea floor characterization. This dissertation focused on understanding how various uncertainty sources affect the seafloor backscatter at various stages of data acquisition and processing. A comprehensive list of significant uncertainty sources related to hardware, software algorithms, and environmental conditions was compiled. This research proposes a frame work to assess impacts of these uncertainty sources with the goal to further improve the quantitative use of seafloor backscatter for seafloor characterization studies.

Bio

Mashkoor Malik is a UNH/CCOM alum (M.S. in Ocean Mapping, 2005). Since August 2008, he has been working as Physical Scientist for NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research while pursuing his Ph.D part-time. His research interests are application of mapping techniques towards ocean exploration specifically use and interpretation of seafloor backscatter data.