What we do

  Where we do it

  How do we get the images?

  Why is it important?

The benthic mapping project uses sound waves, radar waves, optical photography, and sediment sampling to gather data from the Hudson River bottom. This data can be used by scientists to generate maps showing different aspects of the river bottom, such as its composition, and changes due to human use.

"Benthic" refers to the river bottom, as opposed to "pelagic" which refers to the water column. The study of the river bottom is an important undertaking with vast implications for conservation, business, and recreation.