SACN Osceola Boat Landing: 2019 Backscatter (Acoustic Reflectivity) Data
Dates
Time Period
2019-10-16
Citation
Hanson, J.L., and Strange, J.M., 2021, National Park Service St. Croix National Scenic Riverway - Osceola Backscatter, 20191016: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9O0QH8B.
Summary
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collected hydroacoustic data of the St. Croix River adjacent to the Osceola (WI) boat ramp for hydrographic and benthic mapping prior to the reconstruction project implemented by the National Park Service (NPS). Backscatter is the acoustic reflectivity, which is the measure of energy obtained from the echo intensity, and can provide an indication about the nature of the river bottom and its physical character. Image analysis and classification of backscatter, with the combined datasets of bathymetry (and its derivatives) and ground truthing, can predict surficial substrate, or sediment type. For habitat analysis, these datasets were desired by the NPS to help inform and mitigate potential impacts to [...]
Summary
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collected hydroacoustic data of the St. Croix River adjacent to the Osceola (WI) boat ramp for hydrographic and benthic mapping prior to the reconstruction project implemented by the National Park Service (NPS). Backscatter is the acoustic reflectivity, which is the measure of energy obtained from the echo intensity, and can provide an indication about the nature of the river bottom and its physical character. Image analysis and classification of backscatter, with the combined datasets of bathymetry (and its derivatives) and ground truthing, can predict surficial substrate, or sediment type. For habitat analysis, these datasets were desired by the NPS to help inform and mitigate potential impacts to mussels or benthic habitat.
In 2019 the National Park Service began preparing for the relocation and upgrade of the Osceola (WI) boat ramp in the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Prior to construction, hydrographic/topographic surveys and benthic maps of the river bottom were desired to mitigate potential impacts to mussels or benthic habitat. Multibeam Echosounder Systems produce high-resolution bathymetry and backscatter data that can be used to obtain information about the sediment composition and physical properties of the riverbed. A suite of hydroacoustic products (e.g., bathymetry, topobathy, backscatter mosaic, measured river current velocities (ADCP), sidescan mosaic, and underwater images (ground truthing)) were combined to map geomorphic landforms and the surficial sediment type of the river bottom.
