EdgeTech Side Scan Sonar Instrumental in the Recent Discovery of Extremely Large Reef at the Mouth of the Amazon River

EdgeTech, a leader in high resolution sonar imaging systems and underwater technology, provided side scan sonar equipment that was used in support of the recent discovery of a large coral reef at the mouth of the Amazon River. The recently publicized finding is exciting for researchers as they learn more about the area and the unique marine life and characteristics of the distinctive environment.

EdgeTech Side Scan Sonar Mosaic of Recently Discovered Reef off the Amazon River. Image courtesy: EdgeTech

One of the key researchers on the project is Dr. Michel Michaelovitch de Mahiques, Instituto Oceanográfico of the University of São Paulo. The Institute used their EdgeTech 4200 Side Scan Sonar system operating at 100/400 kHz to find and map this exceptional coral reef. The 4200 Series is a versatile side scan sonar system that can be configured for almost any survey application from shallow to deep water operations. The 4200 utilizes EdgeTech’s Full Spectrum® CHIRP technology to provide crisp, high resolution imagery at long ranges allowing customers to cover larger areas and save money spent on costly surveys. One of the unique features of the 4200 is the optional Multi-Pulse (MP) technology, which places two sound pulses in the water rather than one pulse like conventional side scan sonar systems. This allows the 4200 to be towed at speeds of up to 10 knots while still maintaining 100% bottom coverage. In addition, the MP technology will provide twice the resolution when operating at normal tow speeds, thus allowing for better target detection and classification ability.

A number of journal and news articles have been published about this exciting find. For more information, click here.