Echo Sounders

Abstract

The echo-sounding technique, developed by Professor Fassenden in 1914, has become widely used aboard all seagoing vessels, and is an integral part of all geoengineering surveys. The depths at an offshore construction site must be accurately appraised for the successful installation (even temporary) of offshore drilling vessels, exploration and production structures, and pipelines. An error in bathymetry could result in serious construction problems, since many facilities are designed and constructed for a specific water depth. An example would be the improper location (such as below local sea level) of docking facilities, which are welded to a structure prior to their emplacement offshore. Errors in bathymetry would also result in insufficient water depths for the emplacement of a deep draft jack-up platform. An error of one meter water depth in dredging operations may require the removal of many additional meters of fill, at great additional cost and time.