Mapping the exclusive economic zone

Abstract

The NOAA multibeam surveys of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are providing a new data base and map series that are significantly superior to existing bathymetric maps compiled from prior surveys, particularly in areas of complex relief. The new Sea Beam and Bathymetric Swath Survey System (BSSS) surveys are designed to give essentially 100 percent coverage of selected areas on the continental shelf, slope, and upper rise off the west coast of the U.S. These areas were selected through a cooperative agreement between NOAA and the Department of Interior's U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The first complete map at 1:100,000 has been compiled from surveys between39\deg30'N and40\deg00'N. It shows the sinuous submarine canyons in remarkable detail. The San Andreas fault does not appear to extend north of Point Delgada. The NOAA multibeam surveys run in tectonically-active areas such as the west coast continental margin are developing detailed data sets that will be of great value to economic development and to a better understanding of the geologic framework of those areas.