Applications of Bathymetry Survey

Introduction

Bathymetric surveys are essential for understanding and managing underwater environments. By measuring water depths and mapping underwater topography, these surveys provide critical data for a wide range of applications. This lecture will cover the various applications of bathymetric surveys, including examples from India and around the world to illustrate their importance.

Applications of Bathymetric Data

1. Navigation

Application:

• Creating Nautical Charts:

• Bathymetric data is used to create detailed nautical charts that are essential for safe navigation.

• These charts show water depths, underwater hazards, and navigational aids, helping mariners avoid dangerous areas.

Example:

• Indian National Hydrographic Office (INHO):

• INHO uses bathymetric data to produce and update nautical charts for Indian coastal waters.

• These charts are critical for commercial shipping, fishing vessels, and recreational boating in India.

2. Engineering

Application:

• Supporting Underwater Construction:

• Bathymetric surveys provide detailed topographic maps of the seafloor, which are crucial for designing and constructing underwater structures.

• This includes bridges, tunnels, pipelines, offshore platforms, and wind farms.

Examples:

• Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL):

• The construction of the MTHL, a sea bridge connecting Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, relied heavily on bathymetric surveys to map the seafloor.

• Detailed bathymetric data ensured the bridge's foundations were securely placed.

• Krishnapatnam Port:

• Bathymetric surveys were conducted to deepen the harbor and ensure safe access for larger vessels.

• Revival of Ram Ki Paidi, Ayodhya:

• Bathymetric surveys of the Saryu River were crucial in the revival of Ram Ki Paidi, a series of ghats in Ayodhya.

• The surveys informed dredging and restoration work to enhance the flow and cleanliness of the river.

3. Environmental Monitoring

Application:

• Studying Marine Habitats:

• Bathymetric surveys help scientists study underwater habitats, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and fishery grounds.

• By understanding the topography and depth of these habitats, researchers can monitor changes and assess environmental health.

Examples:

• Gulf of Mannar:

• Bathymetric surveys of the coral reefs in the Gulf of Mannar provide critical data for monitoring coral health and assessing the impacts of climate change and human activities.

• Chilika Lake:

• Bathymetric surveys help monitor the lake's ecosystem, which is crucial for maintaining its biodiversity and supporting local fisheries.

4. Resource Exploration

Application:

• Locating and Managing Underwater Resources:

• Bathymetric surveys are used to locate and map underwater resources such as minerals, oil, and gas.

• These surveys help in the exploration and sustainable management of these resources.

Examples:

• Bombay High Oil Field:

• Oil companies use bathymetric surveys to map the seafloor before drilling.

• For instance, the Bombay High Oil Field, located off the coast of Mumbai, has been extensively surveyed to support offshore oil exploration.

• Polymetallic Nodules in the Indian Ocean:

• The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) conducts bathymetric surveys to explore and map areas rich in polymetallic nodules.

5. Disaster Management

Application:

• Assessing and Mitigating Risks from Underwater Hazards:

• Bathymetric data helps in assessing the risks posed by underwater hazards such as underwater landslides, tsunamis, and volcanic activity.

• This data is crucial for disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts.

Examples:

• Indian Tsunami Warning System:

• After the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, bathymetric surveys were conducted to map the seafloor and identify areas at risk of future tsunamis.

• This information is used to develop early warning systems and evacuation plans.

• Flood Management in Rivers:

• Bathymetric surveys are conducted in major rivers like the Ganges and Brahmaputra to understand their dynamics and manage flood risks.

6. Coastal Zone Management

Application:

• Managing Coastal Erosion and Sedimentation:

• Bathymetric surveys provide data on the seafloor topography, which is essential for understanding and managing coastal erosion and sedimentation processes.

• This helps in the design of coastal protection measures.

Examples:

• Shoreline Protection in Kerala:

• Bathymetric data is used to design and monitor coastal protection projects to combat erosion along the Kerala coastline.

• Mumbai Coastal Road Project:

• Bathymetric surveys are used to plan and execute the coastal road project, ensuring minimal environmental impact and effective erosion control.

7. Archaeological Investigations

Application:

• Discovering and Studying Underwater Archaeological Sites:

• Bathymetric surveys help archaeologists discover and map underwater sites such as shipwrecks, ancient submerged cities, and artifacts.

• Detailed maps of the seafloor provide insights into historical events and cultural heritage.

Examples:

• Dwarka Submerged City:

• Bathymetric surveys have helped in the exploration of the submerged city of Dwarka, believed to be associated with Lord Krishna.

• Shipwrecks off the Indian Coast:

• Surveys have located various shipwrecks along the Indian coast, providing valuable information for historical research and preservation.

8. Scientific Research

Application:

• Understanding Geological Processes:

• Bathymetric data is crucial for studying geological processes such as plate tectonics, volcanic activity, and sediment transport.

• This data helps scientists understand the formation and evolution of the Earth's crust.

Examples:

• Mid-Ocean Ridge Studies:

• Scientists use bathymetric surveys to study the Carlsberg Ridge and Central Indian Ridge, underwater mountain ranges formed by plate tectonics.

• These surveys provide insights into seafloor spreading and the creation of new oceanic crust.

• Submarine Volcanism:

• Bathymetric surveys of the Barren Island volcano in the Andaman Sea help in understanding submarine volcanic processes.

9. Fisheries Management

Application:

• Mapping Fish Habitats:

• Bathymetric surveys help identify and map critical fish habitats, such as spawning grounds and feeding areas.

• This information is used to develop sustainable fisheries management plans.

Examples:

• Indian Fisheries:

• Bathymetric data is used to map the seafloor of the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, identifying important habitats for commercial fish species.

• This helps in regulating fishing activities to ensure sustainable fish populations.

10. Recreation and Tourism

Application:

• Supporting Recreational Activities:

• Bathymetric maps are used to enhance recreational activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and underwater photography.

• These maps help enthusiasts explore underwater features safely.

Examples:

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

• Popular dive sites around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are mapped using bathymetric surveys.

• Detailed maps of underwater topography attract divers and support the tourism industry.

• Goa's Coastal Tourism:

• Bathymetric surveys help in identifying and promoting safe and attractive diving and snorkeling spots along Goa's coast.

11. Inland Waterways Development

Application:

• Supporting Navigation and Development of Inland Waterways:

• Bathymetric surveys provide data for the development and maintenance of inland waterways, ensuring safe navigation and efficient transport.

Examples:

·         Dredging Work for Cruise Ship in Ramgarh Tal, Gorakhpur:

• Bathymetric surveys guided the dredging work in Ramgarh Tal to facilitate the operation of a cruise ship, promoting tourism and local economic development.

·         Desiltation Work in Upper Ganga Canal:

• Bathymetric surveys were conducted to guide desiltation efforts in the Upper Ganga Canal, improving water flow and management for irrigation and navigation.

Conclusion

Bathymetric surveys play a critical role in a wide range of applications, from navigation and engineering to environmental monitoring and disaster management. By providing detailed maps of underwater topography, bathymetric data supports safe navigation, resource exploration, environmental conservation, and scientific research. Advances in technology continue to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of bathymetric surveys, expanding their applications and impact.

References

• Ferreira, Italo & de Andrade, Laura & Teixeira, Victória & Santos, Felipe. (2022). State of art of bathymetric surveys. Boletim de Ciências Geodésicas. 28. 10.1590/s1982-21702022000100002.
  

• Wright, D. J., & Heyman, W. D. (Eds.). (2008). Marine and Coastal GIS for the World's Oceans and Seas: Charting Advances in Bathymetry and Hydrography. ESRI Press.

• Mayer, L. A., Jakobsson, M., & Armstrong, A. (2000). "The Compilation and Analysis of Modern Bathymetric Data Sets: The Arctic Ocean." Marine Geophysical Researches, 21(3-4), 267-291.

• Wölfl, A. C., Snaith, H., Amirebrahimi, S., Devey, C. W., Dorschel, B., Huvenne, V. A. I., ... & Pieper, M. (2019). "Seafloor Mapping – The Challenge of a Truly Global Ocean Bathymetry." Frontiers in Marine Science, 6, 283.

• Marks, K. M., & Smith, W. H. F. (2006). "An Evaluation of Publicly Available Global Bathymetry Grids." Marine Geophysical Researches, 27(1), 19-34.

• Ferrini, V. L., & Flood, R. D. (2006). "The Effects of Fine-Scale Surface Roughness and Slope on the Backscatter Intensity of High-Resolution Multibeam Sonar." Marine Geophysical Researches, 27(2), 139-159.