3D Satellite Mapping of Coral Sea Reefs
News

3D Satellite Mapping of Coral Sea Reefs

A James Cook University researcher in Cairns, Australia, has completed detailed 3D depth maps of Australia’s Coral Sea reefs, shedding new light on the likely distribution of coral diversity and sea life in the area. Dr Robin Beaman, from JCU’s College of Science, Technology and Engineering, worked with the German Earth observation company EOMAP and used satellite imagery to develop 3D bathymetry (or depth) data over a large group of Coral Sea reef.

Dr Beaman considered mapping the reefs and their underwater landscape as a challenge, because their remote locations and shallow nature made it difficult to use modern surveying techniques, such as vessel-mounted echo sounders.

The reefs lie in clear, sunlit waters, so the Landsat8 images were able to provide high-resolution data to a depth of about 50 metres. By refining the satellite data and merging it with existing data, he has produced 3D depth maps for these reefs and atolls. That increased the details compared to what was previously available.

Areas Without Detailed Depth Data

The project focussed on the reefs and atolls within those waters of the Coral Sea that fall within Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone, also called the Coral Sea marine Reserve. While many of the largest reefs had been progressively mapped by the Royal Australian Navy using their LADS airborne lidar bathymetry system, there were still large areas of shallow reefs with no detailed depth data over them. The Flinders Reefs, about 230km offshore from Townsville, were the start, close to the Australian mainland and lacking an accurate 3D map.

These are atolls that grew upwards from tilted continental blocks created when Gondwana was breaking up. The 3D images of North and South Flinders Reefs are showing classic atoll shapes with a shallow coral rim around a deeper lagoon.

Improved Prediction

This 3D information can be used to better predict where coral diversity is located around the edge of these reefs, because it’s clear where the researchers are  likely to find the shallow and deeper coral communities. That information will help marine researchers to plan future scientific expeditions and it will help managers of the various conservation zones determine what other marine life they can expect to find there.

Dr Beaman hopes the maps will be a valuable resource in the ongoing discussion as to what levels of protection should be given to different areas of the Coral Sea Marine Reserve.

More broadly, oceanographers could use the 3D data to more accurately model how oceanic currents move over and past these reefs before reaching the Great Barrier Reef.

Image: North-westerly view of the Coral Sea reefs towards Cairns. Depths are coloured red (shallow) to purple (deep), over a depth range of about 4,000 metres. Exposed land is coloured gray. Includes material © (2015) EOMAP. All rights reserved. Image courtesy: www.deepreef.org.

Hydrography Newsletter

Value staying current with hydrography?

Stay on the map with our expertly curated newsletters.

We provide educational insights, industry updates, and inspiring stories from the world of hydrography to help you learn, grow, and navigate your field with confidence. Don't miss out - subscribe today and ensure you're always informed, educated, and inspired by the latest in hydrographic technology and research.

Choose your newsletter(s)