High-resolution characterization of seafloor sediments for modeling acoustic backscatter

Abstract

Quantitative information on fine-scale sediment inhomogeneity is extremely scarce and sorely needed for developing realistic volume scattering models. To address this deficiency, we present a novel approach for sediment core characterization, X-ray computed tomography (CT). By providing a means to construct extremely fine-scale density profiles and to quantify volume inhomogeneities in two- and three-dimensions, CT analyses can assist efforts in characterizing benthic processes and result in more accurate inputs for modeling acoustic backscatter.