Statistical relationship between multibeam backscatter, sediment grain size and bottom currents

Abstract

The bathymetry data and backscatter data are collected using multibeam sonar (MBES) system to recognize seafloor types was identified in the three study area coral reef, natural reef, and artificial reef. Ground truth data in using Ponar grab for collect sediment samples and ADCP in currents flow were is collected 34 stations.in the study, the relationship between backscatter, sediment grain size and bottom currents is examined using linear regression and multiple linear regressions. As a result, show that there is significant backscatter from multibeam sonar and ground truth data. In linear regression, relationship R2 backscatter with sediment is a 0.703, sediment with bottom current (speed) is a 0.810 and multiple linear regression, relationship R2 backscatter, sediment and currents is a 0.709. The study provided a good relationship between backscatter, sediment and currents (speed).