Utilização de métodos geofísicos para mapeamento de lama fluida no porto de tubarão, vitória (ES-Brasil)

Abstract

Fluid mud are frequently observed in navigational channels and their characterization and mapping are very important for safety reasons. This study investigates the response of different acoustic equipments on the identification and mapping of fluid mud. Sonographic, bathymetric and sub-bottom profile surveys were carried out in order to acoustically map the seabed. Short sediment cores were collected to determine the seabed bulk density. The survey was undertaken along Porto de Tubarão (Espírito Santo State) as part of a dredging project. The occurrence of fluid mud was confirmed by the indirect acoustic methods and direct sediment bulk density data. Acoustic signals behave differently in the presence of fluid mud in all frequency cases, which correlates with sediment bulk densities. The method applied herein proved to be efficient and applicable for these areas. © 2011 Sociedade Brasileira de Geofísica.