Geophysical Imaging of the Bottom Sediments of Underwater Quarries

The definition of the nature of the bottom sediments in underwater gravel and sand quarries represents a major problem for the Mining Authorities in Italy. Bylaw the residual fine sediments could not be dumped in the water. Furthermore the damping of fine sediments is often used to mask non-compliance excavations. The standard monitoring procedure based on Single-Beam Echo Soundings delivers low resolution and insufficient sub-bottom penetration.