Searching for Shipwrecks and Sinkholes
In spring 2019, researchers came together in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary to seek lost shipwrecks and discover natural features such as sinkholes and fish habitats. Using an autonomous surface vehicle, researchers from the sanctuary, NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab, Ocean Exploration Trust, and University of New Hampshire’s Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping used sonar to create high-resolution maps of deep areas within the sanctuary.
Using an autonomous surface vessel, researchers created high-resolution bathymetric maps of the Lake Huron lakebed. Photo: OET/UNH-CCOM
Researchers operate the autonomous surface vehicle from afar. Photo: OET/NOAA
The autonomous surface vehicle is lifted over the water. Photo: OET/NOAA