Shallow over-water seismic reflection surveys for determining inland waterways sediment distribution in The Netherlands

Abstract Shallow reflection geophysical surveys were carried out using high-frequency pipeliner equipment to determine sediment distributions in inland waterways. The method gives sufficient resolution for most situations such as rivers, canals, harbours and disposal basins to adequately assess both the quantity and locality of sediment types for both pre- and post-dredging operations. Examples of different case histories in the Netherlands are given including some instances where such techniques are less successful. Geoscience information systems are used to both store, process, enhance, analyse and interpret the data. Specially developed modules in the geoscience information system allows the determination of the quantity of pollution and presentation in map form the degree and extent of the polluted sediment layers. Maps are produced immediately following the surveys on-board the survey vessels.