Multi-Frequency Acoustic Backscatter (SONBSCA)

Multi-Frequency Acoustic Backscatter is the time series acoustic signal data generated and recorded by a Coastal and Global Bio-acoustic Sonar instruments. Acoustic Backscatter provides a metric of zooplankton and fish populations in the water column surrounding the instrument. The sonar emits sound waves into the water column that bounce off organisms and are reflected back towards the sensor in a phenomenon known as “backscatter.” The more organisms or other large particles there are in a parcel of water, the higher the backscatter.

Instrument Classes

The following instrument classes include this data product:

• Bio-acoustic Sonar (ZPLS)

Typical Units

dB re 1(m^2 nmi^-2)

Sampling Regime

Water Column

Data Product Specification

Not Available