Seabed mapping in a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic Eastern Adriatic shelf using a quantitative split-beam echo sounder

Acoustic investigation of the part of the mixed carbonate-siliciclastic Adriatic Shelf was conducted in order to test a 38kHz quantitative split-beam echosounder, usually used as tool in acoustic surveys on pelagic fish. The seabed sediment data were ground-truthed by 38 grab samples. Spatial distribution of the calculated mean volume backscattering coefficient has revealed a strong similarity with existing seabed sediment textural maps, alowing us to use this echosounder as suitable for seabed characterization.