Seabottom characterization using multibeam echosounder angular backscatter: an application of the composite roughness theory

Composite roughness theory is used to characterize Southern Ocean bottom backscatter (multibeam) data. Spectral parameters based on Helmholtz-Kirchhoff's theory, D. R. Jackson et al. (1986), are determined from measured near-normal incidence values. A splicing technique using Rayleigh-Rice theory, E.Y. Kuo (1964), is employed beyond 20/spl deg/ incidence angles. Estimated roughness parameters for six deep ocean areas correlate with geology.