# BackscatterC [7125]--Monterey Canyon and Vicinity, California

#### Frequently anticipated questions:

- What does this data set describe?
  1. How might this data set be cited?
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
- Who produced the data set?
  1. Who are the originators of the data set?
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
- Why was the data set created?
- How was the data set created?
  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
- How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?
  1. How well have the observations been checked?
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the data, including topology?
- How can someone get a copy of the data set?
  1. Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
  2. Who distributes the data?
  3. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?
  4. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
  5. How can I download or order the data?
- Who wrote the metadata?

### What does this data set describe?

Title: BackscatterC [7125]--Monterey Canyon and Vicinity, California
Abstract:
This part of DS 781 presents data for the acoustic-backscatter map of Monterey Canyon and Vicinity map area, California. Backscatter data are provided as separate grids depending on mapping system and processing method. These metadata describe acoustic-backscatter data collected by California State University, Monterey Bay and processed by the U.S. Geological Survey. The raster data files are included in "BackscatterC_7125_MontereyCanyon.zip," which is accessible from https://doi.org/10.5066/F7XD0ZQ4. These data accompany the pamphlet and map sheets of Dartnell, P., Maier, K.L., Erdey, M.D., Dieter, B.E., Golden, N.E., Johnson, S.Y., Hartwell, S.R., Cochrane, G.R., Ritchie, A.C., Finlayson, D.P., Kvitek, R.G., Sliter, R.W., Greene, H.G., Davenport, C.W., Endris, C.A., and Krigsman, L.M. (P. Dartnell and S.A. Cochran, eds.), 2016, California State Waters Map Series—Monterey Canyon and Vicinity, California: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2016–1072, 48 p., 10 sheets, scale 1:24,000, https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20161072.
The acoustic-backscatter map of Monterey Canyon and Vicinity, California, were generated from acoustic-backscatter data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), by Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), and by California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). Mapping for the entire map area was completed between 1998 and 2014 using a combination of 30-kHz Simrad EM-300 and 200-kHz/400-kHz Reson 7125 multibeam echosounders, as well as 234-kHz and 468-kHz SEA SWATHplus bathymetric sidescan-sonar systems. The CSUMB mapping missions were completed in 2008 and 2009. Within the final imagery, brighter tones indicate higher backscatter intensity, and darker tones indicate lower backscatter intensity. The intensity represents a complex interaction between the acoustic pulse and the seafloor, as well as characteristics within the shallow subsurface, providing a general indication of seafloor texture and composition. Backscatter intensity depends on the acoustic source level; the frequency used to image the seafloor; the grazing angle; the composition and character of the seafloor, including grain size, water content, bulk density, and seafloor roughness; and some biological cover. Harder and rougher bottom types such as rocky outcrops or coarse sediment typically return stronger intensities (high backscatter, lighter tones), whereas softer bottom types such as fine sediment return weaker intensities (low backscatter, darker tones).
Supplemental_Information:
Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Although this Federal Geographic Data Committee-compliant metadata file is intended to document the data set in nonproprietary form, as well as in Esri format, this metadata file may include some Esri-specific terminology.

1. How might this data set be cited?
   Dartnell, Peter, Ritchie, Andrew C., Finlayson, David P., and Kvitek, Rikk G., 2015, BackscatterC [7125]--Monterey Canyon and Vicinity, California: Data Series DS 781, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

   Online Links:

   - https://doi.org/10.3133/ds781
   - https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/data/csmp/MontereyCanyon/data_catalog_MontereyCanyon.html

   This is part of the following larger work.

   Golden, Nadine E., 2016, California State Waters Map Series Data Catalog: Data Series DS 781, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

   Online Links:

   - https://doi.org/10.3133/ds781

2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
   West_Bounding_Coordinate: -122.06
   East_Bounding_Coordinate: -121.74
   North_Bounding_Coordinate: 36.84
   South_Bounding_Coordinate: 36.68
3. What does it look like?
   https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/file/get/5570970be4b0d9246a9fd28a?name=BackscatterC_7125_MontereyCanyon.jpg&allowOpen=true (JPEG)
     Acoustic backscatter imagery of Monterey Canyon and Vicinity.
4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
   Beginning_Date: 2008
   Ending_Date: 2009
   Currentness_Reference:
     ground condition
5. What is the general form of this data set?
   Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: GeoTiff
6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
   1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?
      This is a Raster data set. It contains the following raster data types:
      - Dimensions 14605 x 8835 x 1, type Grid Cell
   2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
      Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: Universal Transverse Mercator
      Universal_Transverse_Mercator:
      UTM_Zone_Number: 10
      Transverse_Mercator:
      Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.9996
      Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -123.00000
      Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0.00000
      False_Easting: 500000.0
      False_Northing: 0.00
      Planar coordinates are encoded using coordinate pair
      Abscissae (x-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 2.0
      Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 2.0
      Planar coordinates are specified in Meters
      The horizontal datum used is WGS84.
      The ellipsoid used is WGS84.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.00.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257223563.
7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
   Value
     BackscatterC [7125] intensity value (Source: ESRI)
     VALUE
       Backscatter intensity values (Source: ESRI)

       Range of values
       Minimum: | 0
       Maximum: | 254
       Units: | Floating point values representing intensity

     Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
     The Reson 7125 acoustic-backscatter grid was originally archived as an ESRI grid with the following attributes:

         Cell size = 2.0
         Number of rows = 14605
         Number of columns = 8835

         Data type = floating point

         Boundary
         Xmin = 583530
         Xmax = 612740
         Ymin = 4060670
         Ymax = 4078340

         Statistics
         Minimum value = 0
         Maximum value = 254
         Mean = 118.64
         Standard deviation = 20.61

         Coordinate system description
         Projection  UTM
         Zone  10
         Datum  WGS84
         Units  meter

     Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation: none

### Who produced the data set?

1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
   - Peter Dartnell
   - Andrew C. Ritchie
   - David P. Finlayson
   - Rikk G. Kvitek
2. Who also contributed to the data set?
3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
   U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
   Attn: PCMSC Science Data Coordinator
   2885 Mission Street
   Santa Cruz, CA
   US

   831-427-4747 (voice)
   pcmsc_data@usgs.gov

### Why was the data set created?

> These data are intended for science researchers, students, policy makers, and the general public. These data can be used with geographic information systems or other software.

### How was the data set created?

1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
   Date: 2009 (process 1 of 4)
     During the CSUMB mapping missions in 2008 and 2009, a Applanix POSMV (Position and Orientation System for Marine Vessels) was used to provide position and attitude data during data collection and accounted for vessel motion such as heave, pitch, and roll (position accuracy +/-2m, pitch, roll and heading accuracy +/-0.02 degrees, heave accuracy +/-5 percent or 5cm) with input from a Cnav® enabled NAVCON 2050 GPS. KGPS altitude data were used to account for tide cycle fluctuations and sound velocity profiles were collected with an Applied Microsystems SVPlus sound velocimeter. Soundings were corrected for vessel motion using the Applanix POS/MV data, for variations in water-column sound velocity using the AM SVPlus data, and for variations in water height (tides) using vertical-position data from the GPS receivers. Multibeam backscatter data were processed using Geocoder. Within Geocoder, the backscatter intensities were radiometrically corrected (including despeckling and angle-varying gain adjustments), and the position of each acoustic sample was geometrically corrected for slant range on a line-by-line basis. After the lines were corrected, they were mosaicked into 1- or 2-m-resolution images. Overlap between parallel lines was resolved using a priority table whose values were based on the distance of each sample from the ship track, with the samples that were closest to and furthest from the ship track being given the lowest priority. An anti-aliasing algorithm was also applied. The mosaics were then exported as georeferenced TIFF images, imported into a geographic information system (GIS), and converted to GRIDs at 2-m resolution Person who carried out this activity:
     Pete Dartnell
     U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
     Physical Scientist
     2885 Mission St.
     Santa Cruz, CA
     USA

     (831) 460-7415 (voice)
     pdartnell@usgs.gov
   Date: 27-Nov-2018 (process 2 of 4)
     Metadata was modified to bring up to current USGS PCMSC standards. Information for accompanying Open-File Report added to Abstract and Cross Reference sections. Point of Contact information was updated. Keywords were added and refined. Details about different Network Resource Name links was given in the Access Instructions section. Minor typos were corrected. No data information was changed. Person who carried out this activity:
     Susan A Cochran
     U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
     2885 Mission St.
     Santa Cruz, CA
     United States

     831-460-7545 (voice)
     scochran@usgs.gov
   Date: 19-Oct-2020 (process 3 of 4)
     Edited metadata to add keywords section with USGS persistent identifier as theme keyword. No data were changed. Person who carried out this activity:
     U.S. Geological Survey
     Attn: VeeAnn A. Cross
     Marine Geologist
     384 Woods Hole Road
     Woods Hole, MA

     508-548-8700 x2251 (voice)
     508-457-2310 (FAX)
     vatnipp@usgs.gov
   Date: 05-Apr-2022 (process 4 of 4)
     Performed minor edits to the metadata to correct typos. No data were changed Person who carried out this activity:
     U.S. Geological Survey
     Attn: Susan A. Cochran
     Geologist
     2885 Mission Street
     Santa Cruz, CA

     831-460-7545 (voice)
     scochran@usgs.gov
3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
   Dartnell, Peter, Maier, Katherine L., Erdey, Mercedes D., Golden, Nadine E., Dieter, Bryan E., Golden, Nadine E., Johnson, Samuel Y., Hartwell, Stephen R., Cochrane, Guy R., Ritchie, Andrew C., Finlayson, David P., Kvitek, Rikk G., Sliter, Ray W., Greene, H. Gary, Davenport, Clifton W., Endris, Charles A., and Krigsman, Lisa M., 2012, California State Waters Map Series--Monterey Canyon and Vicinity, California: Open-File Report 2016-1072, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

   Online Links:

   - https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20161072

### How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

1. How well have the observations been checked?
   Not applicable for raster data.
2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
   Estimated to be no less than 2 m, owing to water depth and total propagated uncertainties of the mapping systems, which include sonar system, position and motion compensation system, and navigation, as well as data processing that includes sounding cleaning, gridding, and datum transformations.
3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
   Not applicable to acoustic-backscatter imagery.
4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
   Complete
5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
   Unspecified

### How can someone get a copy of the data set?

> Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?

> > Access_Constraints: None
> > Use_Constraints:
> > USGS-authored or produced data and information are in the public domain from the U.S. Government and are freely redistributable with proper metadata and source attribution. Please recognize and acknowledge the U.S. Geological Survey and California State University, Monterey Bay, Seafloor Mapping Lab as the originator(s) of the dataset and in products derived from these data. This information is not intended for navigation purposes.

1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
   U.S. Geological Survey - ScienceBase
   Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Mail Stop 302
   Denver, CO

   1-888-275-8747 (voice)
   sciencebase@usgs.gov
2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? `The .zip file includes the .tfw, .tif, .tif.aux.xml, and .tif.ovr, files, as well as FGDC-compliant metadata for the BackscatterC [7125] data layer in the Monterey Canyon and Vicinity region of California.`
3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

   > Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata and related materials are considered to satisfy the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty.

4. How can I download or order the data?
   - Availability in digital form:

     Data format: | The .zip file for the TIFF image includes the image (.tif), the world registration file (.tfw), and the text (.txt) and XML (.tif.xml) versions of the metadata for the BackscatterC [7125] data layer of Monterey Canyon and Vicinity, California. in format TIFF (version ArcMap (version 10.0, ESRI , 2011)) Raster data layer is registered TIFF image in the UTM Zone 10 coordinate system with datum WGS84. Size: 12.1
     Network links: | https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/file/get/556f83d0e4b0d9246a9fd0a2 https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/data/csmp/MontereyCanyon/data_catalog_MontereyCanyon.html https://doi.org/10.3133/ds781

   - Cost to order the data: none

5. What hardware or software do I need in order to use the data set?

   > The downloadable data file has been compressed with the "zip" command and can be unzipped with Winzip (or other tool) on Windows systems. To utilize these data, the user must have software capable of uncompressing the WinZip file and importing and viewing an Esri ArcMap TIFF. Users should download the ArcGIS Project File, MontereyCanyonGIS.mxd.zip, a compressed (with the "zip" command) version of the ArcMap document (.mxd) that has all the data layers loaded in the table of contents for "Monterey Canyon" and has all the data symbolized as on the data release map sheets. Download and save this ArcGIS project file, including all data layers, to the directory the user has created for this GIS.

### Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
  Last modified: 05-Apr-2022
Metadata author:
  U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
  Attn: PCMSC Science Data Coordinator
  2885 Mission Street
  Santa Cruz, CA
  US

  831-427-4747 (voice)
  pcmsc_data@usgs.gov
Metadata standard:
  Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)

Generated by `mp` version 2.9.51 on Tue Apr 5 11:35:02 2022