Color Shaded-Relief Image Showing the 2-m Bathymetry Generated from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Survey H11255 in Long Island Sound (H11255_GEO_2MBATHY.TIF, Geographic)

Digital terrain models (DTMs) produced from multibeam bathymetric data provide valuable base maps for marine geological interpretations. These maps help define the geological variability of the seafloor (one of the primary controls of benthic habitat diversity); improve our understanding of the processes that control the distribution and transport of bottom sediments, and the distribution of benthic habitats and associated infaunal community structures; and provide a detailed framework for future research, monitoring, and management activities. The bathymetric survey interpreted herein (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) survey H11255) covers roughly 95 km2 of seafloor in southeastern Long Island Sound. This bathymetry has been examined in relation to seismic reflection data collected concurrently, as well as archived seismic profiles acquired as part of a long-standing geologic mapping partnership between the State of Connecticut and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The objective of this work was to use these acoustic data sets to interpret geomorphological attributes of the seafloor, and to use these interpretations to better understand the Quaternary geologic history and modern sedimentary processes.