Summary

The course provides an overview of the ocean's seafloor, its features, properties and tools used to describe the seafloor. The course shall contribute to the goals of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, specifically the three societal outcomes that are critical in ocean mapping: a) a healthy and resilient ocean b; a predicted ocean and c) a transparent and accessible ocean.

Learning Outcomes

After the course participants will have the knowledge, skills and experience to be able to:

• understand the fundamentals of bathymetric survey planning and execution (including fixed geodetic points vs portable GPS)
• have skills in processing of bathymetric data and generation of bathymetric maps using CARIS, QGIS
• Understand the difference between single-beam and multi-beam data
• Recognize key bathymetric seafloor geomorphology and water column acoustics
• Generate satellite derived bathymetry for coastal shallow areas
• Be aware of the seabed 2020 seafloor mapping initiatives and obligations
• be aware of the UNCLOS and governance of the seabed

Course Contents

• Basics of Hydrography for nautical charts
• Acoustic tools and techniques
• Survey planning and execution
• Understanding the difference between single beam and multi beam echosounder (with data examples)
• IHO S44 standards
• Positioning at sea (GPS) Fixed Geodetic reference points vs portable GPS
• Tides & sea-level measurement
• Map Projections
• Satellite derived bathymetry
• Introduction to geological oceanography and Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Article 76, the extended continental shelf concept and practice
• 3D illustrations Using CARIS software (data visualization, important geomorphological features such as shipwrecks, seamounts and canyons; use of sample data)
• Global, regional & national initiatives in seabed mapping (GEBCO, SEABED 2030, Delineation of Outer Continental Shelf-methods
• Individual project

Target Audience

• Marine researchers and postgraduate students (MSc and PhD students)
• Staff of marine research/management institutions
• University teachers
• Staff from National Oceanographic Data Centres
• Freelance consultants

Note: UNESCO is committed to promote equal access principles. Applications from minority or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

Course Pre-requisites

Applicants are expected to:

• have an interest or new responsibilities in working with marine bathymetry data and/or information
• have a working knowledge of English

Instructors

• Amon Kimeli
• Victoria Obura
• Harrison Ong’anda
• Daina Mathai