OPR-E349-TJ-21 Central Chesapeake Bay, MD Central Chesapeake Bay NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson (S222) H13510 4 Complete Coverage Horseshoe Point to Tolly Point Maryland United States 5000 2021 Briana Hillstrom, CDR/NOAA Navigable Area 2021-05-14 2021-08-28 2021-09-06 Multibeam Echo Sounder Side Scan Sonar Multibeam Echo Sounder Backscatter meters 18N Atlantic Hydrographic Branch Any 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 18N, MLLW. All references to other horizontal or vertical datums in this report are applicable to the processed hydrographic data provided by the field unit. NOAA Survey area is referred to as H13510, "Horseshoe Point to Tolly Point" (sheet 4) in the Project Instructions. The survey area is approximately 11.8 square nautical miles. 38.96296188888889 76.58607944444444 38.83926325 76.42914761111112 Due to time constraints imposed by emergency ship repairs, the southwestern portion of survey H13510 was left unsurveyed. This reassigned area included West River and Rhode River. After consultation with Hydrographic Survey Division (HSD), new limits were assigned to Navigation Response Branch (NRB) unit Bay Hydro II based off the coverage already acquired by Thomas Jefferson. The original sheet limits and those later created for Bay Hydro II are listed in the project correspondence section submitted with this report (Figure 1 and 2). H13510 assigned survey area (Chart US3EC08M). file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/H13510_sheet_limit.png Area later reassigned to Bay Hydro II. file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/H13510_NRB_sheet_limit.png The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in North America and heavily trafficked by commercial and recreational vessels as tourism, fishing, and marine commerce are economically vital for the region.1 This project area encompasses 374 SNM of central Chesapeake Bay. In addition to fishing and tourism traffic, commercial vessels transit through the project area to reach the Port of Baltimore, which is ranked as a top 15 port in container and tonnage, and a top 10 port for dry bulk.2 The majority of the prior data in the project area spans from the 1880s to 1940s. The bathymetric data vintage coupled with numerous storms and hurricanes having potentially changed the seabed over the last century raises a need to survey the area. This data from this project will provide modern bathymetry for updating National Ocean Service nautical charting products improving the safety of maritime traffic and commerce as well as supporting the Seabed 2030 global mapping initiative. 1 https://www.cbf.org/issues/what-we-have-to-lose/economic-importance-of-the-bay/index.html 2 https://explore.dot.gov/#/views/PortProfiles2020/HomeDashboard The entire survey is adequate to supersede previous data. H13510 data meet complete coverage requirements, as required by the 2021 Hydrographic Survey Specifications and Deliverables (HSSD) with multibeam echo sounder (MBES) coverage combined with 100% Side Scan Sonar (SSS) . This includes crosslines (see Section B.2.2), NOAA allowable uncertainty (see Section B.2.2), and density requirements (see Section B.2.5). All waters in survey area Complete Coverage (Refer to HSSD Section 5.2.2.3) All waters in survey area Acquire backscatter data during all multibeam data acquisition (Refer to 2021 HSSD Section 6.2) Survey coverage was acquired in accordance with the 2021 Hydrographic Survey Specifications and Deliverables (HSSD). Complete coverage requirements were met with either 100% side scan sonar (SSS) with concurrent multibeam (MBES) or full MBES coverage (Figure 3 and 4). Coverage met the inshore limit of hydrography, the Navigable Area Limit Line (NALL). The NALL is defined as the most seaward of the following: the surveyed 3.5- meter depth contour, the line defined by the distance seaward from the observed mean high water (MHW) line which is equivalent to 0.8 millimeters at chart scale, or the inshore limit of safe navigation. Areas where H13510 survey coverage reached neither 3.5 meters water depth, nor the assigned sheet limits, was due to the presence of hazards such as a thick weeds, recreational boaters, swimmers or private docks and moorings. The Pydro Explorer Extract Survey Outlines tool was used to determine gaps in coverage of sidescan data and multibeam data. With this tool, a single bathymetry source is also considered “Full Coverage” and does not need an overlapping sidescan or bathymetry file. With this methodology, approximately 184 data gaps or Holidays were found in in the surfaces sent for submission. These data gaps are generally characterized as being near the outer extent of coverage or between the launch investigation line and main coverage. Due to time constraints, these gaps were not reacquired. After inspection of surrounding areas, these gaps do not appear to be navigationally significant. H13510 multibeam coverage. file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/H13510_MBES_coverage.png H13510 SSS coverage. file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/H13510_SSS_coverage.png Example of H13510 holiday determination. file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/H13510_Holidays.png 2904 0.0 23.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 245.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 2903 0.0 89.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 114.8 0.0 40.3 0.0 0.0 471.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 358.7 0.0 40.3 0.0 8.0 4 0 0 0 11.8 2021-08-28 2021-08-29 2021-08-30 2021-08-31 2021-09-01 2021-09-03 2021-09-04 2021-09-05 2021-09-06 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. 2903 8.5 1.2 2904 8.5 1.2 NOAA ship Thomas Jefferson (S222) and survey launch operating in the Central Chesapeake Bay. file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/B.1%20S222.JPG Applanix POS MV 320 v5 Positioning and Attitude System EdgeTech 4200 SSS Kongsberg Maritime EM 2040 MBES Sea-Bird Scientific SBE 19plus V2 Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth Sensor Teledyne RESON SVP 70 Sound Speed System Hydrographic Survey Launch (HSL) 2903 collected 40.28 linear nautical miles of MBES crosslines and or 5% of mainscheme MBES data. A variable resolution (VR) Combined Uncertainty and Bathymetry Estimator (CUBE) surface of mainscheme data and a VR CUBE of crossline data were differenced, the resulting mean was 0.02 m with a standard deviation of 0.04 m (Figure 6 and 7). Visual inspection of the difference surface indicated no systematic issues. H13510 MBES crossline fraction of allowable error surface in color, overlaid on mainscheme data, shown in greyscale. file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/H13510_Crossline_Diff_Surface.png H13510 crossline/mainscheme comparison file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/H13510_XL_VR_MLLW_Final-H13510_MS_VR_MLLW_Final_depth_delta.png ERS via VDATUM 0.08 0.0 2903, 2904 4 N/A N/A .02 The bathymetric surface's uncertainty layer is compliant with 2021 HSSD uncertainty standards. Over 99.5% of all nodes pass uncertainty standards (Figure 9 and 10). Uncertainty map of H13510 file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/FINAL_uncertainty_overview.png H13510 Uncertainty standards file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/H13510_MB_VR_MLLW_Final.QAv6.tvu_qc.png B.2. Quality Control, Uncertainty: Sound Speed Uncertainty Surface for both launches was listed above as 0.02 m/s, while the field unit processed the data with 0.2 m/s. H13509 5000 2021 NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson N The North side of Survey H13510 junctioned with Survey H13509 (Figure 10 and 11). A variable resolution (VR) Combined Uncertainty and Bathymetry Estimator (CUBE) surface of H13510 data and a VR CUBE surface of H13509 data were differenced. An atypical binomial peak was observed in the surface difference comparison statistics graph, the exact cause of which was not determined. The mean difference between bathymetric surface nodes was 0.02 m with a standard deviation of 0.06 m. H13510 and H13509 surface difference comparison statistics. file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/H13509_MB_VR_MLLW_Final-H13510_MB_VR_MLLW_Final_depth_delta.png Junction fraction of allowable error surface between Survey H13510 and H13509 in color. Visual inspection indicate that the surveys are in general agreement. file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/JunctionH13510-H13509.png H13508 5000 2021 NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson E The east side of Survey H13510 junctioned with Survey H13508 (Figure 12 and 13). A variable resolution (VR) Combined Uncertainty and Bathymetry Estimator (CUBE) surface of H13510 data and a VR CUBE surface of H13508 data were differenced. The mean difference between bathymetric surface nodes was 0.02 m with a standard deviation of 0.01 m. H13510 and H13508 surface difference comparison statistics. file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/H13508_MB_VR_MLLW_Final-H13510_MB_VR_MLLW_Final_depth_delta.png Junction fraction of allowable error surface between Survey H13510 and H13508 in color. Visual inspection indicate that the surveys are in general agreement. file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/JunctionH13510-H13508.png Sonar system quality control checks were conducted as detailed in the quality control section of the DAPR. None Exist There were no conditions or deficiencies that affected equipment operational effectiveness. SSS Refraction This survey had issues with refraction as a result of the variable thermocline in the survey area. The SSS used in this survey were hull-mounted, with data acquired at 25m, 50m, 75m and 100m range scales. In areas of unacceptable levels of refraction, the area was filled in wth complete coverage MBES to cover the holidays created. Schools of fish obscuring side scan data Many large schools of fish were encountered throughout survey H13510. Some schools were dense enough to create large acoustic shadows that obscured parts of the sea floor and prevent the detection of significant features (Figure 14). Data was re-acquired in areas were the schools of fish were particularly dense. However, due to time and operational constraints data was not acquired over every encounter with fish schools. An example of fish school that was seen throughout H13510. file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/2021-11-02_8-41-35.png Crab Pots This survey had crab pots sprinkled throughout the sheet, generally with dimensions of 1.0m x 0.5m x 0.5m (Figure 15). As this is a complete coverage survey, and the objects themselves are temporary in nature, as well as sheer number of them found throughout the sheet, these are not being marked as contacts. Subset view of multibeam data showing typical crab pot. file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/crab%20pot%20again.png Sound Speed Cast Frequency: Static casts were conducted from 2903 and 2904 at least every 4 hours using a Seabird SBE 19+ CTD in accordance with 2021 HSSD specifications. Variations in surface sound speed were monitored during acqusition to assess appropriate cast frequency. A total of 51 sound speed profiles were collected within the survey limits of H13510 and display good spatial diversity (Figure 16). All sound speed profile data were concatenated into a master file for the sheet. MBES data were corrected by applying profiles nearest in distance in time (4 hours) using this master file. Overview of all SVP casts taken on H13510. file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/H13510_cast_locations.png All equipment and survey methods were used as detailed in the DAPR. All data reduction procedures conform to those detailed in the DAPR. All sounding systems were calibrated as detailed in the DAPR. Raw MBES backscatter was logged as part of the .all file of the Kongsberg EM2040 systems. Backscatter was processed in QPS Fledermaus GeoCoder Toolbox (FMGT) software, and then exported to geotiff's (Figure 17) and are included in the final processed data package. One mosaic per vessel per frequency has been delivered with this report. All backscatter processing procedures utilized follow those detailed in the DAPR. Combined 300 kHz multibeam backscatter mosaic acquired by HSLs 2903 and 2904. file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/Updated_Backscatter.jpg NOAA Profile Version 2021 H13510_MB_VR_MLLW_Final.csar CARIS VR Surface (CUBE) Variable Resolution 0.75 12.41 NOAA_VR Complete MBES H13510_MB_VR_MLLW.csar CARIS VR Surface (CUBE) Variable Resolution 0.75 12.41 NOAA_VR Complete MBES H13510_SSSAB_1m_600kHz_1of1 SSS Mosaic 1 N/A 100% SSS H13510_MBAB_2m_300kHz_1of2 MB Backscatter Mosaic 2 N/A MBES Backscatter H13510_MBAB_2m_300kHz_1of2 MB Backscatter Mosaic 2 N/A MBES Backscatter Complete Coverage requirements were met by 100% side scan sonar coverage with concurrent multibeam bathymetry collection with complete coverage multibeam developments as specified under section 5.2.2.1 of the HSSD 2021. All bathymetric grids for H13510 meet density requirements per the HSSD 2021 (Figure 18). After multiple rounds of surface cleaning, 27 fliers remain as detected by NOAA's QC Tool Flier Finder available in the Pydro XL-19 suite. Flier finder was run and examined with the experimental option 7 "Noisy Margins" selected. Upon further inspection, these flagged grid's nodes are considered to be accurate representations of the sea floor and have been retained in the submitted surfaces. H13510 data density standards. file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/H13510_MB_VR_MLLW_Final.QAv6.density.png No Horizontal and Vertical Control Report (HVCR) is required for this survey. Mean Lower Low Water ERS via VDATUM OPR-E349-TJ-21_CMMB_alt_NAD83-MLLW_xGeoid20B All soundings submitted for H13510 are reduced to MLLW using VDatum techniques as outlined in the DAPR. North American Datum 1983 Projected UTM 18 Trimble-RTX service was used with an Applanix POS MVv5 GNSS_INS system to obtain highly accurate ellipsoidally referenced position data to meet ERS specifications for H13510 MBES data from vessels HSL 2903 and HSL 2904. The Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) was used for real-time horizontal control during data acquisition on vessels HSL 2903 and HSL 2904. US5MD16M 40000 33 2021-09-17 2021-10-19 US5MD13M 40000 29 2021-08-13 2021-08-13 US5MD22M 40000 14 2021-06-17 2021-06-17 US5MD32M 10000 20 2021-10-20 2021-11-01 D.1.1 Charts: ENC US5MD16M is not included within the updated survey limits of H13510. No shoals or potentially hazardous features exist for this survey. Limited shoreline verification was conducted in accordance with applicable sections of NOAA 2021 HSSD and FPM using the Project Reference File (PRF) and Composite Source File (CSF) provided with the Project Instructions. In the field, all assigned features that were safe to approach, were addressed as required with S-57 attribution and recorded in the H13510 Final Feature File to best represent the features at chart scale. This file also includes new features found in the field as well as recommendations to update, retain or delete assigned features. Seven uncharted features were identified and investigated. None of the features were considered dangerous to navigation. Reference the final feature file included with the submission of this project for further information. There is one designated channel leading into Fishing Creek, the terminus at which is U.S. Coast Guard Station Annapolis. Comparison of derived survey soundings and charted depths in designated channel leading to Fishing Creek. file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/H13510%20designated%20channel.png Three ATON discrepancy reports were filed, resulting from ATONs not being observed by the field party while verifying features. No Maritime Boundary Points were assigned for this survey. Four bottom samples were assigned, investigated, and are included in the Final Feature File. See Figure 20 and 21 for a generalized view of H13510 bottom sample locations. Bottom Samples, shown as orange targets overlaid on backscatter imagery. file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/Bottom%20Samples.png Example of typical H13510 bottom sample. file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/H13510%20bottom%20sample%201.JPG Two bridges were confirmed to exist, visually confirmed by the Survey Party. 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 or environmental conditions exist for this survey. One area of active shoreline construction was identified in Selby Bay in the vicinity of Long Point. The construction of a stone breakwater structure shoreward of the main channel into Selby Bay as part of a shore erosion management project. At the time of survey no DToNs were identified in these area. Shoreline construction on sheet H13510. file:///B:/OPR-E349-TJ-21/Surveys/H13510/01_HDR/Reports/Descriptive_Report/SupportFiles/H13510_Shoreline_construction.png No new surveys or further investigations are recommended for this area. No new ENC scales 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. Matthew J. Jaskoski, CDR/NOAA Commanding Officer 2022-03-13 Michelle M. Levano, LT/NOAA Operations Officer 2022-03-13 Erin K. Cziraki Chief Survey Technician 2022-03-13 Adam M. Martinez & Audrey E. Jerauld Sheet Manager 2022-03-13