Marine sediment mapping systems for rapid coastal assessment

Abstract

The Gamma Isotope Mapping System (GIMS) and the Continuous Sediment Sampling System (CS3) (Fig. 1) have been developed at the Center for Applied Isotope Studies, The University of Georgia in response to the growing need for a rapid, cost-effective tool that can assess the environmental impact of the urban and industrial growth along coastal regions. Capable of mapping radionuclides, metals, and organic compounds, the combined GIMS/CS3 has been widely utilized in tracking both point and non-point source marine sediment contaminants in estuarine and offshore environments. The system consists of a towed seafloor sled, which allows in-situ radionuclide measurement, and fine-grained sediment sample collection while the survey vessel is underway. Detailed two- and three-dimensional maps are compiled from the data collected by the GIMS/CS3 and utilized to identify trends associated with point and non-point pollution sources.