The oceans cover more than 70 percent of the Earth. In addition to creating ships that travel across the ocean’s surface, it is essential to know the topography of the seabed and subsurface. This is achieved through underwater studies, also known as Hydrographic Surveys. In this article, we’ll discuss hydrographic survey services, different kinds of surveys, and the different types of equipment used.
The Introduction to Surveying
Also called underwater surveying, hydrography is identifying the characteristics of an underwater region. The characteristics to be examined include the depth of water and topographic features, tide measurement, etc. Simply saying, being able to be aware of the variations and elevations that occur on the seafloor has many applications.
One of the essential types of the hydrographic survey is the bathymetric one that comes from the Greek words baths (baritone) and metron (measurement). It’s the underwater equivalent to land surveying called hypsometry.
Contrary to land surveys that use stationary or static instruments to make measurements, bathymetry requires an active vessel moving as it carries out observations. Therefore, special allowances need to be taken into account for any errors from this movement.
What’s the goal for Hydrographic Surveys?
The principal reason for hydrographic surveys is to estimate the water depth that is achieved through bathymetric surveys. The other frequent uses for hydrographic surveying are planning for waterways, dredging analysis, and wreck location.
Another possible use for surveying is the design of docks, harbors, and dams. It is crucial to make sure that the depth of water in ports and around them is sufficient to permit ships to be able to enter and be anchored safely. Additionally, the part of the seabed which supports floating structures should be anchored with a solid foundation. Dams need to be aware of the terrain surrounding them for structural stability.
Surveying permits engineers to design land reclamation projects by providing topography and seabed composition information. Additionally, engineers can assess the viability of projects during the initial planning phase. Surveying can also help flood-control systems anticipate possible flood zones and suggest ways to mitigate this. Zones of flooding can be identified by studying how the ocean floor alters around the coastline and then connecting this structure to any historical reports of tsunamis or flooding.
Another use of underwater surveying is the determination of shorelines that run along the coast. The preparation of shoreline charts is beneficial in researching the impact of the land’s water bodies and finding the exact maritime boundary of nations. Surveying is also a way to determine the mean sea level, which is crucial in all facets of human activity. They assist the government in mapping the coastlines. They also influence the launch of rockets and space shuttles.
Surveying is also helpful in the navigation of ships by offering possible routes vessels can follow. Specific ocean routes could be in shallow depths or contain coral or rocks. This can pose a serious risk for ships and therefore should be recorded in a safe manner. Establishing safe routes that don’t cross dangerous terrain, Surveying can help improve the industry’s efficiency. Surveying can also be used for agricultural purposes to determine alluvial and silt deposits in lakes. Since deltas are highly fertile land, such regions can be devoted to farming. In addition, when studying river discharge, the effects of erosion on arable land can be investigated.
The hydrographic survey services are primarily used in the area of Dredging. Dredging refers to taking away mud, grass, and seabed rocks. It can also be used to create rivers that are inland to boost shipping. When you create enough water depth, small vessels can boost trade within the country. Dredging can also be used to alter patterns of drainage that affect erosion, irrigation, and so on. Underwater surveying provides information that can be used as the foundation for the approval of capital projects. Surveying is also helpful in the offshore sector by allowing remote maintenance inspections of structures made of oil and gas. Surveys by hydrography can replace manual inspections, as they estimate the wear and tear of the structure. In the same way, when installing seabed pipelines, surveys ensure that pipeline tracks are correctly laid.
