OPR-A321-FH-14Approaches to New Hampshire, NH & MEGulf of MaineNOAA Ship FERDINAND R. HASSLERH126961 Ragged Neck Pt to Hampton Shoal LedgeNew HampshireUnited States100002014LCDR Marc S. Moser, NOAANavigable Area2014-04-302014-04-172014-05-14Multibeam Echo SounderMultibeam Echo Sounder BackscattermetersUniversal Transverse Mercator (UTM)UTCAtlantic Hydrographic BranchNOAAThe survey area is located in the Gulf of Maine, within the sub-locality of Ragged Neck Pt to Hampton Shoal Ledge as shown in Figure 1.43.01457570.80557542.866086111170.5931805556General locality of survey H12696file:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_AreaSurveyed.pngThe survey overlaps completely with the assigned sheet limits provided from OPS. However, these sheet limits do not include the majority of areas with charted depths shoaler than the 60-foot depth curve. Additional work still needs to be completed at a future date utilizing a vessel that is capable of collecting data near shore. Figure 2 shows the limits of H12696 and the 60 foot depth curve (blue tint).Extents of MBES coverage to approximately the 60-foot contour - future data will need to be acquired with a vessel especially suited for near shore workfile:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_Blue_Tint.PNGThe purpose of this project is to provide contemporary surveys to update National Ocean Service (NOS) nautical charting products.The entire survey is adequate to supersede previous data.Some holidays exist in the coverage for this survey. Analyses of surrounding data show that the least depths over features have been achieved and holidays do not compromise data integrity. Additional discussion can be found in section B.2.9.Survey layout for OPR-A321-FH-14 plotted over Chart 13278 and Chart 13286file:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_Coverage.PNGS-2500609.400.800041.700609.400.800041.706.815300038.82014-04-172014-04-222014-04-232014-04-242014-04-252014-04-262014-04-272014-05-062014-05-072014-05-14Mainscheme survey lines were run with a dual-head multibeam echosounder. Linear nautical miles for the dual-head system were calculated using statistics from the starboard head.Refer to the Data Acquisition and Processing Report (DAPR) for a complete description of data acquisition and processing systems, survey vessels, quality control procedures, and data processing methods. Additional information to supplement sounding and survey data, and any deviations from the DAPR are discussed in the following sections.S25037.73.77NOAA Ship FERDINAND R. HASSLER alongside pier at Marine Operations Center - Atlanticfile:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2013/OPR-B310-FH-13_Approaches_to_New_York/H12627/DR_Images/H12627_Hassler.jpgNOAA Ship FERDINAND R. HASSLER (S250), shown in Figure 4, acquired all data within the limits of H12696.Reson7125MBESKlein5000 V2SSSApplanixPOS M/V 320 V5Positioning and Attitude SystemHemisphereMBX-4Positioning SystemBrooke OceanMVP-200Sound Speed SystemAMLMicroCTDConductivity, Temperature, and Depth SensorResonSVP-70Sound Speed SystemMultibeam crosslines were acquired using the Reson 7125 on DN117. Crosslines were filtered to remove soundings greater than 45 degrees from nadir. The crossline percentage satisfy requirements stated in Section 5.2.4.3 of the HSSD. A 4-meter CUBE surface was created using the mainscheme lines, while a second 4-meter CUBE surface was created using only crosslines. These two surfaces were differenced at a 4-meter resolution (Figure 5). The average difference between the depths derived from the mainscheme and crosslines is 0.00 meters with a standard deviation of 0.14 meters; 95% of all differences are less than 0.17 meters from the mean (Figure 6).H12696 MBES crossline data overlaid on mainscheme linesfile:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_Crossline_surface.pngH12696 crossline difference statistics: mainscheme minus crosslinesfile:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_Crossline_stats.tif0.010.210.010.081S2501.01.00.5CO-OPS provided the tidal zoning uncertainty of 0.21 meters in the Project Instructions for project OPR-A321-FH-14. Thirty three lines, listed below, were corrected with zoned tides and received this uncertainty estimate. For these lines the TPU was calculated using "vessel settings" in CARIS. The 0.081 meter uncertainty value was provided by HSD in the project instructions and is based on the VDatum uncertainty of the area. For all lines except those noted below, TPU was calculated using the "realtime" selection in CARIS which uses uncertainty values from the SMRMSG files derived from SBETs. The thirty three lines listed below exhibited unrealistic vertical offsets after Smooth Best Estimate of Trajectory (SBET) files were applied and GPS Tides computed. These lines have been reduced to chart datum using zoned water levels. Figures 7 and 8 show a generic example of soundings reduced via VDatum and discrete zoning, respectively. For the example illustrated, discrete zoning shows much better agreement. More information can be found in section C and the VDatum evaluation report submitted in Appendix II of this report. Port 20140423_220233 20140423_000823 20140425_024228 20140425_034715 20140426_160049 20140426_160535 20140426_160913 20140426_161443 20140426_164655 20140426_164725 20140426_193226 20140427_033745 20140427_042202 20140427_063834 20140507_105838 Starboard 20140423_220231 20140423_000827 20140425_024228 20140425_034715 20140426_160049 20140426_160535 20140426_160912 20140426_161443 20140426_163156 20140426_193227 20140427_033745 20140427_042201 20140427_063833 20140427_074755 20140507_105839 20140507_113201 20140507_111933 20140507_113705 Soundings reduced via VDatumfile:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/ERS_GPS_tide_bad.PNGSoundings reduced via discrete tidesfile:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/ERS_discrete_tide_good.PNGFour junction comparisons were completed for H12696 (Figure 9). Two surveys were completed in 1997 by NOAA Ship RUDE (H10763 and H10771), one in 2005 by Fugro LADS (H11296), and one in 2013 by the NOAA Ship FERDINAND R. HASSLER (H12614). The areas of overlap between sheet H12696 and its junction sheets were reviewed in CARIS Subset Editor. The junction surfaces were subtracted from the surface of H12696 to assess sounding consistency.H12696 junctionsfile:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_Junctions.pngH10763100001997NOAA Ship RUDENData for survey H10763 was provided with the project instructions as a 15-meter irregular grid of shoal biased soundings in an .xyz format (see H10763 DR for submitted sounding selection). The .xyz file was imported into CARIS BASE Editor where a Triangular Interpolated Network (TIN) was created. A 4-meter interpolated surface was created from this TIN for the purposes of junction analysis. The 2-meter surface created for H12696 was differenced with the interpolated surface of H10763 (Figure 10). Depths in the junction area range from 18 to 30 meters. A statistical analysis was performed on the resulting differenced surface; the mean difference was 0.26 meters with a standard deviation of 0.36 meters (Figure 11). The differences can be attributed to the sparse data which was used to create the TIN and the accompanying interpolated surface. The hydrographer compared the .xyz data to the H12696 2-meter surface and found most soundings had a difference of no greater than 1 meter. There are two areas where H12696 data does not overlap with H12763 data (Figure 12). The hydrographer recommends tasking the vessel assigned to complete the nearshore work in this vicinity to resurvey the two areas not surveyed by H12696 or H10763. The hydrographer recommends that H12696 supersede H10763 in the common area.Junction between H12696 (red) and H10763 (green)file:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_Junctions_H10763_surface.pngDifferenced surface statistics, H12696 minus H10763file:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_Junctions_H10763_stats.tifGaps in overlap between H12696 (red) and H10763 (green). The assigned sheet limit is displayed as a gray dashed linefile:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_Junctions_H10763_gaps.pngH10771100001997NOAA Ship RUDENEData for survey H10771 was provided with the project instructions as a 15-meter irregular grid of shoal biased soundings in an .xyz format (see H10771 DR for submitted sounding selection). The .xyz file was imported into CARIS BASE Editor where a TIN was created. A 4-meter interpolated surface was created from this TIN for the purposes of junction analysis. The 2-meter surface created for H12696 was differenced with the interpolated surface of H10771 (Figure 13). Depths in the junction area range from 23 to 29 meters. Overlap with survey H10771 was minimal only creating 3,907 nodes along the northern boundary of H12696. A statistical analysis was performed on the resulting differenced surface; the mean difference was 0.34 meters with a standard deviation of 0.19 meters (Figure 14). The differences can be attributed to the sparse data which was used to create the TIN and the accompanying interpolated surface. The hydrographer compared the .xyz data to the H12696 2-meter surface and found most soundings had a difference of no greater than 1 meter. H12696 data overlaps with junctioning survey H10771 by only 20 meters. The minimal amount of overlap fails the requirement established in section 2.5.3.1 of the FPM which requires 100-200 meters. The hydrographer recommends that H12696 supersede H10771 in the common area.Junction between H12696 (red) and H10771 (blue)file:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_Junctions_H10771_surface.pngDifferenced surface statistics, H12696 minus H10771file:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_Junctions_H10771_stats.tifH11296100002005Fugro LADSWOverlap with LIDAR survey H11296 was minimal only creating 1,316 nodes at a 5-meter resolution along the western boundary of H12696 (Figure 15). Depths in the junction area range from 10 to 14 meters. A differenced surface analysis between a 5-meter surface for each survey showed H12696 to be an average of 0.97 meters deeper than H11296, with a standard deviation of 0.94 meters (Figure 16). 95% of all differences are less than 1.65 meters from the mean. The hydrographer recommends that H12696 supersede H11296 in the common area.Junction between H12696 (red) and H11296 (purple)file:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_Junctions_H11296_surface.pngDifferenced surface statistics, H12696 minus H11296file:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_Junctions_H11296_stats.tifH12614200002013NOAA Ship FERDINAND R. HASSLEREOverlap with survey H12614 was approximately 150 meters wide along the eastern boundary of H12696 (Figure 17). Depths in the junction area range from 34 to 69 meters. A differenced surface analysis between 4-meter CUBE depth surfaces for each survey showed H12696 to be an average of 0.07 meters deeper than H12614, with a standard deviation of 0.12 meters (Figure 18). 95% of all differences are less than 0.46 meters from the mean. The hydrographer recommends that H12696 supersede H12614 in the common area.Junction between H12696 (red) and H12614 (orange)file:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_Junctions_H12614_surface.pngDifferenced surface statistics, H12696 minus H12614file:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_Junctions_H12614_stats.tifSonar system quality control checks were conducted as detailed in the quality control section of the DAPR.None ExistThere were no conditions or deficiencies that affected equipment operational effectiveness.Deployed Fishing / Lobster GearThroughout the survey area for H12696 there were deployed lobster pots and buoys visible from the bridge and verified in the Reson display during acquisition. However, during data processing it was not possible to distinguish active lobster traps on the seabed from derelict traps, rocks, or other obstructions. Therefore, some temporary fishing gear may be reflected in the final dataset. These features may resemble small obstructions and meet the technical definition based on size alone, however, should not be designated as such (ref. HSSD 5.2.1.2 and FPM 4.2.6.1).CTD casts using the MVP-200 were taken approximately every 3-4 hours (Figure 19). Comparisons were made by the survey watch and sound speed variation in the watercolumn was believed to be mainly a function of space, not of time.Sound speed corrections were applied in CARIS using Nearest in Distance Within Time (NIDWT) of 4 hours for the entire survey.Location of casts for H12696file:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_SVP_Locations.pngA density analysis was run to calculate the number of soundings per surface node. Five or more soundings per node are present in over 97.92% of the 0.5-meter surface, 99.97% of the 2-meter surface, and 99.95% of the 4-meter surface. For additional detail refer to H12696_Standards_Compliance report submitted in Appendix II of this report. The density analysis only includes nodes which are populated by at least one sounding and does not account for holidays located within the surface, which will be discussed in the following section of this report.HolidaysThere are approximately 250 individual holidays (gaps in coverage spanning more than 3 nodes) within the limits of H12696 shown in Figure 20. A combination of factors contributed to this abnormally large quantity of holidays which include acoustic shadowing (Figure 21), surface sound speed blowouts (Figure 22), insufficient density (Figure 23), and high density of lobster pots in rocky areas. In all cases, the hydrographer individually assessed all holidays and is confident that least depths are achieved throughout H12696.Holidays on H12696file:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_Holidays.pngExample of a holiday due to acoustic shadowingfile:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_AcousticShadow_holiday.pngExample of a holiday due to surface sound velocity blow outfile:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_Holiday_SVBlowout.pngExample of a holiday due to insufficient densityfile:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_Holiday_Density.pngAll data reduction procedures conform to those detailed in the DAPR.All sounding systems were calibrated as detailed in the DAPR.Backscatter was logged in Reson datagram 7008 snippets record in the raw .s7k files. The .s7k file also holds the navigation record and bottom detections for all lines of survey H12696. The files were paired with the CARIS HDCS data, imported and processed using Fledermaus Geocoder Toolbox. The GSF files containing the extracted backscatter are submitted with the data in this survey. The processed mosaic is saved as a Geo-Tiff and also submitted.NOAA Profile Version 5.3.2.H12696_MB_50cm_MLLWCUBE0.55.8206.5NOAA_0.5mObject DetectionH12696_MB_2m_MLLWCUBE25.9579.28NOAA_2mComplete MBESH12696_MB_4m_MLLWCUBE45.9579.28NOAA_4mComplete MBESH12696_MB_50cm_MLLW_FinalCUBE0.55.9520NOAA_0.5mObject DetectionH12696_MB_2m_MLLW_FinalCUBE21840NOAA_2mComplete MBESH12696_MB_4m_MLLW_FinalCUBE43679.18NOAA_4mComplete MBESDesignated SoundingsWithin the limits of H12696, three soundings are submitted flagged as designated in CARIS HIPS and SIPS. All three soundings were submitted as DToNs.Total Vertical Uncertainty AnalysisA custom layer was created on finalized surfaces showing the uncertainty of individual nodes in relation to the allowable uncertainty for their depths. This layer was exported and run through a custom Python script resulting in statistical analysis. 100.0% of nodes within survey H12696 meet the vertical uncertainty standards of section 5.1.3 of the Hydrographic Surveys Specifications and Deliverables (2014). See H12696_Standards_Compliance report submitted in Appendix II of this report.All vertical and horizontal control activities conducted during the course of this survey are fully addressed in the following sections. Therefore, no separate HVCR is submitted.Mean Lower Low WaterDiscrete ZoningFort Point, NH84238988423898.tidVerified ObservedA321FH2013CORP.zdfPreliminary2014-05-082014-05-16Preliminary zoning is accepted as the final zoning for project OPR-A321-FH-2014, H12696, during the time period between April 17 - May 7, 2014.VDatum2014_A321_VDatum_NAD83Ellip_MLLW.csarSoundings submitted as H12696 are referenced to MLLW reduced by ellipsoidal methods using the ellipsoid to chart datum separation file, with the exception of those lines discussed in section B.2.2 that were reduced to chart datum using zoned water levels. As required by the Project Instructions, the hydrographer evaluated VDatum for the survey area prior to H12696 final processing. Based on this evaluation, the hydrographer recommended VDatum for final datum reduction. The Chief, Hydrographic Surveys Division, concurred with this recommendation. See Appendix II for correspondence associated with the decision.North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83)UTM Zone 19NSmart BaseACUSHNET 6, Acushnet, MAACU6BAR HARBOR, Bar Harbor, MEBARHGORHAM, Gorham, MEMEGONHDOT CONCORD, Concord, NHNHCOU NEW HAMPSHIRE, Durham, NHNHUNWESTFORD, Westford, MAWES2MTS FOX COOP, Foxborough, MAXMTSMTS YARMOUTH, Yarmouth, MAYMTSBOSTON WAAS 1, Nashua, NHZBW1All data submitted as H12696 have SBETs and SMRMSGs applied for post-processed position/attitude and associate uncertainty values, respectively.Brunswick NAS, ME (316 kHz)DGPS was used for real-time positioning during acquisition. All lines submitted are corrected using post-processed horizontal solutions.13278206980000282013-082014-04-292014-05-03A comparison was performed with Chart 13278 (1:80,000) using a CARIS sounding layer based on the 2m surface and contour layer based on a 50m generalized surface from H12696. Both soundings and contours were overlaid on Chart 13278 (Figure 24). Most charted depths compare to within 5 feet of H12696 data with the exception of ten soundings located in the vicinity of Hampton Shoal Ledge (Figure 24). It is recommended that H12696 data supersede all charted depths.H12696 soundings overlaid on Chart 13278, surveyed soundings are colored blue and highlight areas of large differencesfile:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_ChartComparison_HamptonShoals.png13283206220000222013-042014-04-292014-05-03A comparison was performed with Chart 13283 (1:20,000) using a CARIS sounding layer based on the 2m surface and contour layer based on a 50m generalized surface from H12696. Both soundings and contours were overlaid on Chart 13283 (Figure 25). Most charted depths compare to within five feet of H12696 data with the exception of four soundings located in the northwest area of H12696 (Figures 25). It is recommended that H12696 data supersede all charted depths.H12696 soundings overlaid on Chart 13283 surveyed soundings are colored blue and highlight areas of large differences file:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_ChartComparison_Northwest.pngUS4MA04M80000232014-07-142014-07-14falseENC US4MA04M contains no soundings different than RNC 13278. See previous discussion for comparison with RNC 13278.US5NH02M20000192014-06-132014-06-19falseENC US5NH02M contains no soundings different than RNC 13283. See previous discussion for comparison with RNC 13283.Three AWOIS items exist within the sheet limits of H12696 but were not assigned. Limited information exist for these items and can be found in the AWOIS database. In all cases, AWOIS item locations had complete coverage with MBES and found no evidence of the wrecks. The AWOIS item in approximate position 42/56/11.1N 070/44/10.9W (reported as a submarine) was also investigated with 200% side scan sonar. Again, no evidence of the wrecks exist. The AWOIS item in approximate position 42/56/48.59N 070/40/26.84W was not in the delivered composite source file nor was it charted and therefore was not addressed in the final feature file. Refer to the final feature file for remarks and recommendations on the other two AWOIS items. No Maritime Boundary Points were assigned for this survey.Two position approximate wrecks exist within the sheet limits of H12696. See section D.1.3 for information on these wrecks. A mussel farm exists within the limits of H12696. No soundings were found to be shoaler than the authorized minimum depth of 35 feet. Refer to the final feature file for remarks and recommendations. No uncharted features exist for this survey.3H12696_DToN_report.pdf2014-06-23Danger to Navigation Reports are included in Appendix II of this report.Hampton Shoal Ledge was investigated with complete MBES. The current charted depths agree within 1-2 feet of the surveyed soundings obtained on these hazardous features. No channels exist for this survey. There are no designated anchorages, precautionary areas, safety fairways, traffic separation schemes, pilot boarding areas, or channel and range lines within the survey limits.Sixteen bottom samples, chosen from acquired backscatter, were taken within the limits of H12696 and are submitted with the final feature file. Video coverage (limited to 40 meter depths) was obtained on nine of the sixteen bottom samples (Figure 26). One sample that was acquired without concurrent video coverage failed to collect sediment and was not included in the final feature file.Bottom sampler used for H12696 with attached video camerafile:///R:/00_PROJECTS/2014/OPR-A321-FH-14_Approaches_to_Portsmouth/H12696/DR_Images/H12696_Bottom_Sampler.jpgShoreline was assigned in the Hydrographic Survey Project Instructions or Statement of Work, but was not investigated. Without availability of a survey launch, HASSLER acquired data as near shore as was deemed safe.Prior survey comparisons exist for this survey, but were not investigated.All aids to navigation that are within the surveyed limits of H12696 were visually confirmed to be on station and serving intended purposes.No overhead features exist for this survey.Submarine features including the cable area within the limits of H12696 were investigated and attributed in the final feature file if deemed significant. While no evidence of the cable was found in the survey data, the hydrographer recommends that the be retained as charted.No ferry routes or terminals exist for this survey.No platforms exist for this survey.No significant features exist for this survey.No present or planned construction or dredging exist within the survey limits.The inshore area of H12696 was surveyed near the safe navigable limit achievable by HASSLER without the use of a survey launch. Work inshore of the western limit of H12696 will require a survey launch due to high density of lobster fishing gear, proximity to hazards, and shallow depths. The hydrographer recommends these areas be addressed in a later survey by a platform suited for near shore work. See "Inshore_Junction.pdf" in Appendix II of this report. No new insets are recommended for this area.As Chief of Party, field operations for this hydrographic survey were conducted under my direct supervision, with frequent personal checks of progress and adequacy. I have reviewed the attached survey data and reports.All field sheets, this Descriptive Report, and all accompanying records and data are approved. All records are forwarded for final review and processing to the Processing Branch.The survey data meets or exceeds requirements as set forth in the NOS Hydrographic Surveys and Specifications Deliverables Manual, Field Procedures Manual, Letter Instructions, and all HSD Technical Directives. These data are adequate to supersede charted data in their common areas. This survey is complete and no additional work is required with the exception of deficiencies noted in the Descriptive Report.LCDR Marc S. Moser, NOAAChief of Party2014-08-01LT Adam Reed, NOAAField Operations Officer2014-08-01LTJG John R. Kidd, NOAASheet Manager2014-08-01OPR-A321-FH-14 Data Acquisition and Processing Report2014-07-31OPR-A321-FH-14 VDatum Validation Report2014-06-132014 Hydrographic Systems Rediness Review Memo2014-05-06