Hot Pockets of the Deep: Sonar Mapping of the Hydrothermal Plumes

Hydrothermal vents are dynamic environments, with variable temperatures driving rising plumes. The larger scales of venting and plume interactions with the ocean are best captured using imaging sonars, where the backscattering of sound is enhanced by the dynamic temperature changes in vents and plumes. Visualizing vent and plume features through various techniques is essential for effective data analysis. We present a novel software application designed to generate animations, maps, and ping averages from data collected by an EM2040 multibeam echosounder. The software reads and processes KMALL and KMWCD data using Val Schmidt’s KMALL library, providing a lightweight tool for rapid visualization and manipulation of water column data. This serves two primary purposes: it allows engineers aboard research cruises to verify the accuracy of water column data collection in real-time, and it offers a user-friendly platform for researchers unfamiliar with water column data to explore and understand the basics. By offering a comprehensive package for water column data research, this tool enhances the usability of multibeam sonar data in studying hydrothermal vent environments.

Presentation Preference: Poster

Primary Presenter: Reece Clark, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (reececlark55@gmail.com)

Authors:

Reece Clark, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill  (reececlark55@gmail.com)

Karen Bemis, Rutgers University  (bemis@marine.rutgers.edu)