Using spatial modelling technique to investigate the relationships between sediment properties and multibeam backscatter intensity

Remote sensing plays an important role in the investigation of deep sea bottom [1]. However, the optical and lidar remote sensing technologies are only suitable for the seabed study in shallow and clear coastal waters due to rapid light attenuation with water depth [2]. The development of the acoustic remote sensing techniques such as multibeam echo-sounders system, becomes the only effective way to map a large area of seabed from the water depths of hundreds to thousands of meters [3]. The modern multibeam echo-sounders system is capable of emitting and receiving hundreds of narrow-angle beams which create small footprints on the seabed. As a result, it is able to accurately map the seabed of the whole survey area.