OPR-G343-FH-18Approaches to Jacksonville, FLNortheastern FloridaNOAA Ship FERDINAND R. HASSLERH12979220NM due East of Nassau SoundFloridaUnited States400002018LCDR Mark Blankenship, CO/FHNavigable Area2018-08-062018-09-252018-10-06Multibeam Echo SounderMultibeam Echo Sounder BackscattermetersUniversal Transverse Mercator (UTM)UTCAtlantic Hydrographic BranchAny revisions to the Descriptive Report (DR) applied during office processing are shown in red italic text. The DR is maintained as a field unit product, therefore all information and recommendations within this report are considered preliminary unless otherwise noted. The final disposition of survey data is represented in the NOAA nautical chart products. All pertinent records for this survey are archived at the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) and can be retrieved via https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/. Products created during office processing were generated in NAD83 UTM 17N, MLLW. All references to other horizontal or vert cal datums in this report are applicable to the processed hydrographic data provided by the field unit.NOAAThe area is located in Jacksonville, FL within the sub locality of 20NM due East of Nassau Sound.30.611429611181.125469916730.407426083380.9418657222Assigned survey limits of H12979file:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_Survey_Limits.pngData were acquired to the survey limits in accordance with the requirements in the Project Instructions and the 2018 NOS Hydrographic Surveys Specifications and Deliverables (HSSD).H12979 survey extents with respect to survey limitsfile:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_Survey_Coverage.pngMaintaining maritime commerce to the Port of Jacksonville is critical for the economic vitality and security of the region. In 2013, shipping activity directly provided over 9,600 jobs and either induced or indirectly produced more than 14,000 more amounting to an estimated $1.8 billion in personal wages. In 2016, more than 18 million tons of waterborne commerce and almost 800,000 containers moved through the port. As well, the Naval Station Mayport, home of the Navy’s 4th Fleet is located near the mouth of the St. Johns River and provides for national defense and brings an additional 17,000 military and civilian jobs to the region. To accommodate anticipated growth, the harbor is undergoing a greater than $700 million expansion project which will widen the river channel and turning basin, deepening them from 40 to 47 feet to support fully-loaded new Panamax class vessels. To assure adequate underkeel clearance for these deeper draft vessels, this survey will provide modern bathymetry to update 1970s vintage surveys in the approaches to the harbor. The data acquired will supersede Coast Survey charts and products, improving maritime safety and enhancing the regional economy and protecting the environment. Survey data from this project is intended to supersede all prior survey data in the common area.The entire survey is adequate to supersede previous data.All multibeam echo sounder (MBES) data were acquired to complete coverage requirements as specified in the 2018 HSSD.All waters in survey areaComplete Coverage (Refer to HSSD Section 5.2.2.3)All waters in survey areaAll MBES acquisition requires backscatter (refer to HSSD Section 6.2)Complete Coverage requirements were met for data acquisition on the entirety of the H12979 survey area as listed above and as specified in the 2018 HSSD. Thirty five (35) holidays occur within sheet H12979. The majority of the holidays were due to lack of overlap in coverage and were on average 6-8 meters in length. No holidays exist over the tops of potentially significant features. Due to mechanical issues with life saving equipment, the ship did not have an opportunity to cover these gaps in coverage.Holiday example with 1m surrounding nodes selectedfile:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_Nodes_Holiday.pngHoliday example overview due to lack of overlap in coveragefile:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_Sliver_Holiday.pngH12979 Survey Coveragefile:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_Survey_Coverage1.pngS2500903.50000045.70270200000008.500903.50000054.105.99600050.872018-09-252018-09-262018-09-272018-10-022018-10-032018-10-042018-10-052018-10-06The majority of mainscheme and crossline survey lines were run with the dual-head Reson 7125 multibeam echo sounder. Linear nautical miles were calculated from the S-250 starboard sonar (S250S) plus the 2702 R2Sonic sonar.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.S25037.73.7727028.40.76NOAA Ship Ferdinand R. Hasslerfile:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/Ship.jpegNOAA Ship Ferdinand R. Hassler drawingfile:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/Ship_bow%20and%20stern.bmpHydrographic Launch 2702file:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/2702.pngHydrographic Launch 2702 drawingfile:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/boat_drawings.bmpNOAA Ship FERDINAND R. HASSLER (S250) acquired the majority of soundings during operations for H12979 and hydrographic survey launch 2702 was utilized to collect soundings on a few crosslines and one bottom sample.Teledyne RESONSeaBat 7125 SV2MBESApplanixPOS MV 320 v5Positioning and Attitude SystemODIM Brooke OceanMVP200Sound Speed SystemODIM Brooke OceanMicro-CTDConductivity, Temperature, and Depth SensorTeledyne RESONSVP 70Sound Speed SystemSea-Bird ScientificSBE 19plus V2Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth SensorR2Sonic2024MBESTo evaluate crossline agreement, two surfaces of 2-meter grid resolution were created; one from the crossline depths, the other from the mainscheme depths. These two surfaces were differenced and statistics generated using the Pydro Compare Surfaces tool and results reviewed in CARIS HIPS & SIPS. The statistical analysis of the differences between the mainscheme and crossline surfaces is shown below. The range of depth difference between mainscheme and crossline surfaces is between -4.0 and 1.0 meters. The average difference between the surfaces is 0.02 meters with a standard deviation of 0.09 meters; 95% of nodes agree within +/- 0.18 meters of the mean.H12979 Crossline Coveragefile:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_Crossline_Coverage.pngH12979 Crossline difference statistical analysisfile:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_MB_2m_MS_Only_MLLW-H12979_MB_2m_XL_Only_MLLW_depth_delta.pngH12979 Mainscheme - Crossline Differencefile:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_Crossline_MS-XL_Diff.png00.10ERS via VDATUMS2501.01.00.527021.01.00.5H12979 junctions with H13131 from this current project (OPR-G343-FH-18) and three surveys from prior projects (H12099, H12977 and H12978). Survey H13131 was acquired as part of this current project in 2018 by the Ferdinand R. Hassler. Surveys H12977 and H12978 were acquired in 2017 by the Ferdinand R. Hassler, and survey H12099 was acquired in 2009 by SAIC on the M/V Atlantic Surveyor. During H12979 survey operations, MBES sounding data overlap was achieved with each adjacent survey. Junction analysis was performed between H12979 and each adjacent survey by comparing surfaces of equal resolutions using the Pydro Compare Surfaces tool to generate the difference surfaces and statistics and using CARIS HIPS and SIPS to display the difference surfaces for review. For all junction comparisons, a negative depth difference indicates that H12979 is shoaler and a positive difference indicates that H12979 is deeper.H12979 Junction Overviewfile:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_Junctions_Oview.pngH12099200002009SAICNEThe range of depth difference between H12979 and H12099 is -0.5 to 0.6 meters. The average difference is 0.04 meters with a standard deviation of 0.12 meters; 95% of the differenced nodes are within +/- 0.23 meters of the mean. Junction overlap ranges from ~130m to ~200m.Junction between H12979 and H12099file:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_H12099_Junction.pngDifference Surface Statistics for H12979 and H12099file:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_MB_4m_MLLW-H12099_MB_4m_MLLW_combined_depth_delta.pngH12977400002017NOAA Ship FERDINAND R. HASSLERSThe range of depth difference between H12979 and H12977 is -0.4 to 0.4 meters. The average difference is -0.01 meters with a standard deviation of 0.09 meters; 95% of the differenced nodes are within +/- 0.17 meters of the mean. Junction overlap ranges from ~90m to ~180m. Junction between H12979 and H12977file:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_H12977_Junction.pngDifference Surface Statistics for H12979 and H12977file:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_MB_VR_MLLW_Final-H12977_MB_VR_MLLW_Final_depth_delta.pngH12978400002017NOAA Ship FERDINAND R. HASSLERWThe range of depth difference between H12979 and H12978 is -0.9 to 0.9 meters. The average difference is 0.03 meters with a standard deviation of 0.08 meters; 95% of the differenced nodes are within +/- 0.15 meters of the mean. Junction overlap ranges from ~90m to ~160m.Junction between H12979 and H12978file:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_H12978_Junction.pngDifference Surface Statistics for H12979 and H12978file:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_MB_VR_MLLW_Final-H12978_MB_VR_MLLW_Final_depth_delta.pngH13131400002018NOAA Ship FERDINAND R. HASSLERNWThe range of depth difference between H12979 and H13131 is -0.92 to 0.64 meters. The average difference is -0.01 meters with a standard deviation of 0.05 meters; 95% of the differenced nodes are within +/- 0.09 meters of the mean. Junction overlap ranges from ~150m to ~400m.Junction between H12979 and H13131file:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_H13131_Junction.pngDifference Surface Statistics for H12979 and H13131file:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_MB_VR_MLLW_Final-H13131_MB_4m_MLLW_depth_delta.pngSonar 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.None ExistThere were no other factors that affected corrections to soundings.Sound speed casts were acquired approximately every 2 hours or as judged necessary by the field hydrographer, but not at an interval greater than four hours.During acquisition operations a total of 67 sound speed measurements were collected. Sixty six (66) using the Moving Vessel Profiler (MVP 200 with Micro-CTD) on Ferdinand R. Hassler (S250) and one (1) using a Sea-Bird SBE 19plus V2 CTD on launch 2702. Sound speed corrections were applied in CARIS HIPS/SIPS using the Nearest in Distance Within Time (NIDWT) option with a maximum time of 4 hours.H12979 sound speed profile locationsfile:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_Sound_Speed_Casts.pngAs required by the Project Instructions and 2018 HSSD section 5.2.2.3, complete coverage was achieved using the dual head Reson 7125 MBES systems. All areas surveyed met the coverage requirement with the exception of the holidays described in section A.4 of this report.All data reduction procedures conform to those detailed in the DAPR.All sounding systems were calibrated as detailed in the DAPR.Raw Backscatter was recorded within the Reson .s7k files. Backscatter was processed in accordance with Hydrographic Technical Directive (HTD) 2018-3 using QPS Fledermaus GeoCoder Toolbox (FMGT) software.H12979 400kHz, 150cm Backscatter Mosaicfile:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_Backscatter_Mosaic.pngCarisHIPS/SIPS10.4.4QPSFledermaus - FMGT7.8.3NOAA Profile V_5_8H12979_MB_VR_MLLWCARIS VR Surface (CUBE)Variable Resolution16.529.3NOAA_VRComplete MBESH12979_MB_VR_MLLW_FinalCARIS VR Surface (CUBE)Variable Resolution16.529.3NOAA_VRComplete MBESA density analysis was run using the VR finalized surface to calculate the number of soundings per surface node. The results determined that greater than 99.5% of all nodes contained five or more soundings which meets the data density specifications. A TVU analysis was run using the VR finalized surface. The results determined that greater than 99.5% of nodes were within IHO allowable Total Vertical Uncertainty for Order 1a surveys.Data density of the H12979 VR finalized surfacefile:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_MB_VR_MLLW_Final.QAv5.density.pngTotal Vertical Uncertainty statistics in the H12979 VR finalized surfacefile:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_MB_VR_MLLW_Final.QAv5.tvu_qc.pngDesignated SoundingsH12979 contains three (3) designated soundings in accordance with 2018 HSSD Section 5.2.1.2.3. Zero (0) designated soundings represent DTON's, and three (3) designated soundings were selected to accurately represent the seafloor in those locations. Two (2) designated soundings occur over "New" Obstruction features and one (1) designated sounding occurs over an existing "Retain" Obstruction (Fish Haven) feature and are addressed in the Final Feature File.All data for survey H12979 have been reduced to Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) using documented VDatum techniques documented in the DAPR. The 'Ferdinand R. Hassler' is equipped with Applanix POS/MV position and orientation systems on the port and starboard hulls. Correctors are derived using a Precise Point Positioning (PPP) approach. The POS/MV data was post-processed in Applanix POSPac MMS using the Applanix RTX service to produce Smoothed Best Estimates of Trajectory (SBETs) and RMS uncertainty files using the method of Post Processed Precise Point Positioning (5P). Additional information discussing the vertical or horizontal control for this survey can be found in the accompanying DAPR.Mean Lower Low WaterERS via VDATUMVDatum_Sep-shapefile_xyNAD83-MLLW_geoid12b.csarNorth American Datum 1983 (NAD83)Projected UTM 17NSurvey soundings from H12979 were generated from a variable resolution CUBE surface in CARIS HIPS and SIPS and compared with the soundings from the largest scale Electronic Navigational Charts visually in CARIS HIPS/SIPS and using the Pydro Chart Adequacy tools (CA Tools). Contours from H12979 were also generated and visually compared with the charted contours from the largest scale Electronic Navigational Charts. Of the six (6) soundings that were flagged by using the triangle rule, all differences were less than 2 meters. Three (3) of the six (6) soundings flagged are over features which will are already adequately charted. US3GA10M449659372018-10-262018-10-26falseENC US3GA10M generally compares well with survey H12979. The surveyed 18.2 meter (60 foot) contour generally agrees in the southern portion of the survey area but has apparently retreated and does not exist in the northern part of the surveyed area. H12979 surveyed depths are predominantly deeper. Soundings as surveyed agree to within 2 meters as compared with currently charted depths.H12979 soundings and contours (blue) vs. ENC US3GA10Mfile:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979-US3GA10M_Chart_Compare.pngUS4FL50M80000212018-10-262018-10-26falseENC US4FL50M generally compares well with survey H12979. The surveyed 18.2 meter (60 foot) contour generally agrees in the southern portion of the survey area but has appreciably retreated. Additionally, the surveyed 18.2 meter (60 foot) contour does not exist in the northwestern part of the surveyed area. H12979 surveyed depths are predominantly deeper. Soundings as surveyed agree to within 2 meters as compared with currently charted depths.H12979 soundings and contours (blue) vs. ENC US4FL50Mfile:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979-US4FL50M_Chart_Compare.pngNo Maritime Boundary Points were assigned for this survey.All charted features were investigated as part of the H12979 survey and are addressed in the Final Feature File.Three (3) "New" obstruction features were added to the Final Feature File. Two "New" obstruction features are updated positions and depths for existing recommended "Delete" obstruction features and one "New" obstruction feature is previously uncharted. All are addressed in the Final Feature File. The "New" obstruction feature located at Latitude 30-33-37.29N, Longitude 081-03-05.20W has a least depth of 16.7 meters. The hydrographer consulted with the Operations Officer and Commanding Officer on the Ferdinand R. Hassler and this feature was determined not to be classified as a DTON due to its proximity to other controlling features (fish haven to the SE, 60 foot contour to the NW, clear traffic lanes to the NE, charted obstruction to the SE, and expected draft of vessels in the area). Please see correspondence regarding this determination in the \Descriptive_Report\Appendices\II_Supplemental_Survey_Records_Correspondence folder.H12979 "New" OBSTRN Feature - Non DTON Lat: 30-33-37.29N Lon: 081-03-05.20Wfile:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_New-OBSTRN_No-DTON_1.pngNo shoals or potentially hazardous features exist for this survey.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.Six (6) bottom samples were acquired as part of H12979 and are addressed in the Final Feature File. No images were collected on two (2) bottom sample locations due to difficult environmental conditions. Shoreline was not assigned in the Hydrographic Survey Project Instructions or Statement of Work.No prior survey comparisons exist for this survey.One (1) charted ATON (Buoy and Light) were not observed during survey operations. This ATON exists only on ENC USFL50M, not on ENC US3GA10M or RNC's 11480 and 11488. This discrepancy was reported using NOAA online chart discrepancy reporting website. A response was received regarding this discrepancy and correspondence can be found in the \Descriptive_Report\Appendices\II_Supplemental_Survey_Records_Correspondence folder.H12979 ATON on ENC US4FL50Mfile:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_US4FL50M_ATON.pngH12979 ATON Chart Discrepancy Reportfile:///Q:/Survey/H12979_G343_FH_18/AHB_H12979/01_SAR/Reports/Survey/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12979_Bouy-Light_Chart_Discrepancy_Report.PNGNo overhead features exist for this survey.No submarine features exist for this survey.No platforms exist for this survey.No ferry routes or terminals exist for this survey.No abnormal seafloor and/or environmental conditions exist for this survey.No present or planned construction or dredging exist within the survey limits.No new surveys or further investigations are recommended for this area.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 Specifications and Deliverables, 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.Mark Blankenship, LCDR/NOAAChief of Party2019-06-12John R Kidd, LT/NOAAField Operations Officer2019-06-12Colin StewartSheet Manager2019-06-12Data Acquisition and Processing Report2019-06-12