Multibeam mapping of the exclusive economic zone of India

Abstract

The seabed in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of India is covered with a variety of minerals of economic interest. High resolution bathymetric maps are needed for effective utilisation and management of these resources. To assess the general character of the seabed, detailed mapping has been carried out on a part of the central western continental margin of India with multibeam swath bathymetric system. The multibeam maps indicate the presence of several small scale topographic features which were not observed in the echosounding data. Though larger features like the Gaveshani Bank were recorded on the echograms, their exact morphology and areal extension could be obtained only from the multibeam mapping. The results suggest that multibean maps reflect both macro-and micro-topography of the seabed and would provide insights into sedimentary and tectonic processes and seafloor mineralisation. This study indicates that application of multibeam technology in exploration and exploitation of mineral resources is essential. A scheme for mapping the EEZ of India with multibeam system is presented