High-resolution deep-tow survey imagery,Gulf of Mexico

Data are presented from a commercially available deep-tow 100-kHz side-scan sonar and 3.5-kHz subbottom profiler acquisition system. The towfish is a positively buoyant vehicle referenced to the seafloor with an anchor chain deadweight. This enables the acoustic sources and receivers to be towed at a constant altitude of 30 to 35 m above the seafloor. The records illustrate a capability for imaging deep-water seafloor morphology and near-surface sediments to water depths of 2200 m in the Gulf of Mexico.