Reconhecimento batimétrico adjacente ao arquipélago de São Pedro e São Paulo, Oceano Atlântico Equatorial

Abstract

This study consisted of carrying out bathymetric reconnaissance close to the MidOcean Ridge in the North Equatorial Atlantic, more specifically in an area adjacent to the Archipelago of São Pedro and São Paulo (ASPSP). The main objective was to improve the understanding of the underwater morphology around the ASPSP. The survey was carried out on board the hydroceanographic research vessel Vital de Oliveira, in October 2022, within the scope of the QWHALLES project. The equipment used in data acquisition was a multibeam echo sounder model EM 122, manufactured by Kongsberg, operating at a frequency of 12 kHz. The data were processed using the CARIS HIPS and SIPS 12 software, following a processing flow that consisted of the following steps: import of raw data, introduction of vessel data, sound speed correction, georeferencing, creation of a reference and noise removal. The processing, analysis and integration of data resulted in the generation of a digital terrain model (DTM) and characterization of different features of the seabed, with depth variations between -80 m and -4550 m. The presence of valleys and submarine mountainous ridges stands out.