Improved characterisation of bed sediment in shallow water environments using bathymetric sonar

In this funded PhD studentship, the successful candidate will work with manufacturers to develop new sensor configurations, novel transmitted sonar signals, and innovative signal processing for application to shallow water environments. The main outcome will be an acoustic method to characterise vertical and horizontal variations in sediment properties, which has significant potential applications for exploration, navigation, flood risk assessment as well as for geomorphological research. High frequency Phase Differencing Bathymetric Sonar (PDBS) (>300 kHz) has a wide beam (12 times water depth) and yields high-resolution bathymetry with precise depth measurements (3-12 mm), making it ideal for surveys in shallow water environments. Standard high resolution bathymetric sonar, though, is limited in the information that can be generated from the acoustic backscatter data. The PhD student will work with ITER Systems to (1) develop and test a prototype multi-frequency PDBS, novel transmitted sonar signals, and signal analysis protocols, and then (2) evaluate their performance to detect variations in bottom characteristics of waterways, ports and shallow coastal environments. The PhD student will use a combination of approaches in their research: geo-acoustic simulations, laboratory testing, and field experimental trials. The field experiments will involve the testing of the sonar array and single processing in different types of shallow water environments, as well as repeat visits to lowland and/or transitional waterways to detect changes in bathymetry and sediment characteristics. The sonar fieldwork will be boat-based and will be complimented with sediment sampling (e.g. cores/grabs) and current profiling (ADCP) measurements. The discipline-specific knowledge and experience in acoustics, along with the rigorous research training of PhD programme, will prepare the student well for a future career in industry or academia. The student...