Coastal Geology
Seafloor
Geomorphology Characterization
CPE geologists, among world leaders in seafloor mapping, interpret remotely sensed data in terms of geomorphological units that characterize bathymetric patterns, seabed materials, and biophysical habitats. Known for their submarine geomorphological maps interpreted from LADS (Laser Airborne Depth Sounding), CPE geologists have used this advanced bathymetric technique to map in detail 600 km2 of continental shelf offshore the Florida Atlantic southeast coast. Reconnaissance interpretive maps of the continental shelf around the Florida Peninsula, prepared from reformatted NOAA bathymetry, show the spatial distribution of prominent seafloor features such as shoals, banks, sand ridges, sand flats, and bars. Production of seafloor geomorphic maps is backed up by verification of mapping units from vibracore data, sidescan sonar and multibeam imagery, grab samples, and jet probes. CPE has the capability to interpret seafloor geomorphology from a wide range of LIDAR-type systems, aerial photographs in the nearshore, and satellite imagery.
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