Developments in acoustic sediment classification

This paper describes several recent developments which improve the seafloor characterization and sediment classification capabilities of a state-of-the-art high resolution subbottom profiling system designated the Acoustic Seafloor Classification System (ASCS). The ASCS has been under development by the Naval Research Laboratory since 1993. It was originally designed as a robust acoustic research tool with broad operational capabilities. Because of this, it has been a straightforward process to develop, integrate, and test new hardware, software, and sediment classification algorithms with the system.