Technical Applications and Latest Discoveries in Seafloor Mapping

A special issue of Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (ISSN 2077-1312). This special issue belongs to the section "Geological Oceanography".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 July 2025 | Viewed by 628

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Maritime Institute, Gdynia Maritime University, Dlugi Targ 41/42, 80-830 Gdansk, Poland
Interests: benthic habitat mapping; underwater archaeology; marine geology; GIS; object-based image analysis; multibeam echo sounder; hydroacoustics; geophysics; remote sensing
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Guest Editor
MEWO S.A—Subsea Solutions, Straszyn, Poland
Interests: environment; acoustics and acoustic engineering; habitat selection remote sensing; geochemistry; sedimentology; classification; sediments; neural networks; quaternary geology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The proposed special issue titled "Technical Applications and Latest Discoveries in Seafloor Mapping" seeks to compile and disseminate cutting-edge research and technological advancements in the field of seafloor mapping. As the demand for high-resolution seafloor data escalates, this issue will explore innovative methodologies, including the integration of multibeam echosounders, airborne laser bathymetry, satellite-derived bathymetry, machine learning, and remote sensing techniques, to enhance our understanding of marine environments. Contributions will address recent discoveries in bathymetric prediction, sediment classification, and benthic habitat mapping, emphasizing the ecological implications and the importance of sustainable marine resource management. Furthermore, the issue will highlight the challenges faced in mapping vast and complex seafloor terrains, advocating for collaborative efforts among researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to prioritize comprehensive mapping initiatives. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, this special issue aims to advance the scientific community's knowledge of seafloor dynamics and contribute to the effective stewardship of oceanic resources. Ultimately, the integration of diverse perspectives and innovative technologies will be crucial in addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change and human activities on marine ecosystems.

Dr. Lukasz Janowski
Dr. Jarosław Nowak
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • seafloor mapping
  • remote sensing
  • underwater acoustics
  • airborne laser bathymetry
  • satellite-derived bathymetry
  • machine learning
  • marine geology
  • benthic habitat mapping

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 3075 KiB  
Article
Classification of Underwater Sediments in Lab Based on LiDAR Full-Waveform Data
by Libin Du, Dawei Wan, Xiangqian Meng, Wenjing Li, Guangxin Liang and Hongyu Li
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(4), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13040624 - 21 Mar 2025
Viewed by 229
Abstract
The classification of shallow sea sediments based on airborne LiDAR bathymetry represents a significant advancement in marine science and engineering. Airborne LiDAR is a highly valuable tool for the classification of seabed sediments, offering high accuracy and mobility. However, accurately classifying shallow marine [...] Read more.
The classification of shallow sea sediments based on airborne LiDAR bathymetry represents a significant advancement in marine science and engineering. Airborne LiDAR is a highly valuable tool for the classification of seabed sediments, offering high accuracy and mobility. However, accurately classifying shallow marine sediments remains a challenging endeavor due to the difficulties associated with differentiation and the inherent limitations in accuracy. To achieve the accurate classification of underwater sediments, a feature selection method for underwater sediment classification is proposed in this paper and tested in a laboratory environment. The method inputs the original feature set into a classification algorithm that combines Sequential Forward Selection with Random Forests. The study demonstrates that the model achieves an overall classification accuracy of 94.1% and a Kappa coefficient of 91.11%, thereby enabling the accurate and efficient classification of underwater sediment. This approach can be employed as a supplementary technique for the precise classification of shallow marine sediments, offering valuable assistance in the examination of marine ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technical Applications and Latest Discoveries in Seafloor Mapping)
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15 pages, 10887 KiB  
Article
Geomorphometric Analysis of Submarine Mud Volcanoes: Variability, Evolutionary Trends, and Geohazard Implications
by Simone Napoli, Daniele Spatola, Daniele Casalbore and Francesco Latino Chiocci
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(3), 622; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13030622 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 231
Abstract
The systematic morphometric analyses of submarine mud volcanoes are widespread yet still poorly understood geological features. Our study reveals that submarine mud volcanoes show significant variability in size and geometry, independent of water depth. Specifically, the mean height-to-radius (H/R) ratio is ~0.14 ± [...] Read more.
The systematic morphometric analyses of submarine mud volcanoes are widespread yet still poorly understood geological features. Our study reveals that submarine mud volcanoes show significant variability in size and geometry, independent of water depth. Specifically, the mean height-to-radius (H/R) ratio is ~0.14 ± 0.08 (±1σ). This study focuses primarily on submarine mud volcanoes in the Mediterranean, which account for approximately 58% of the dataset and include structures reaching heights of up to ~500 m with mean diameters of up to 8000 m. These edifices display a range of basal geometries, from sub-elliptical (e.g., North Alex, off the coast of Egypt) to super-elliptical (e.g., Alberto da Ottaviano in the Mediterranean Ridge Accretionary Complex). A comparative analysis of morphometric parameters distinguishes mud cones from mud pies globally, with the latter generally lacking large examples (mean diameter >10 km). The results suggest distinct evolutionary pathways, beginning with small simple cones (~100 m3 in volume), analogous to arc volcanoes in other geological settings. This study integrates fundamental marine geology with applied geohazard considerations, serving as an initial step toward enhancing shared knowledge of submarine mud volcanoes. By improving the understanding of their formation, morphometric variability, and spatial distribution, this research supports better-informed decisions regarding submarine geohazards. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technical Applications and Latest Discoveries in Seafloor Mapping)
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