Quantifying extracted (or deposited) sediment volumes using data from sequential bathymetric surveys

Monitoring marine aggregate sites includes contractors having to conduct a bathymetric survey to monitor dredging-induced changes and identify changes in the character of the seabed.

Using a regularly acquired dataset, we wanted to test the potential of geostatistical analysis methods for estimating the volume of extracted material using data from sequential bathymetric surveys.

The Pilier concession (Loire-Atlantique), which is subject to such surveys, is suitable for this exercise.

This could have a number of applications in marine geosciences, such as monitoring spatio-temporal evolution of certain sedimentary forms (dunes or mega-dunes), controlling siltation or sedimentation in certain closed areas (harbours or bays), monitoring port dredging works, etc.