<p> This thesis reports the results of a study that aims to develop and implement a
simple, yet effective substrate identification and classification scheme for the Owen
Sound and Colpoy' s Bay region of southern Georgian Bay using side scan sonar data.
Documentation of substrate types in the study area is required to enhance fish
rehabilitation programs conducted by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Over
500km of side scan sonar data and 1 OOkm of sub-bottom seismic data were collected in
Owen Sound and Colpoy' s Bay during the summer of 2004. Analysis of the side scan
images allowed identification of seven substrate types in the two bays including mud
(Facies 1), sand (Facies 2), sand with ripples or dunes (Facies 3 and 4), sand with
boulders (Facies 5), boulder rich lake floors (Facies 6) and bedrock (Facies 7). Patches of
aquatic vegetation could also be identified on the images. Sub-bottom seismic data
collected concurrently with the side scan data were used to validate interpretations of
substrate type made from side scan images. This substrate identification system appears
to serve as a rapid and cost-effective method of determining substrate characteristics
based solely on the geophysical properties of acquired sonar and seismic data. </p> <p> Lake floor sediment distribution maps of Owen Sound and Colpoy' s Bay were
subsequently created from the side scan data using both a computer-based and a more
traditional hand-drawn technique. The hand-drawn mapping technique integrated
interpretation of side scan images with sub-bottom seismic data and pre-existing
knowledge of bathymetry, shoreline sediment types and environmental factors and
appears to present the most realistic delineation of surface sediment distributions in Owen
Sound and Colpoy's Bay. Substrate types within both bays can be subdivided into three
distinct zones; Zone 1 is mud-rich and lies in water depths greater than 30m; Zone 2
includes sand dominated substrates and is found in water depths of between Om and 40m
and Zone 3, found on exposed shoals and in shallow water areas consists of the coarsegrained
gravel and bedrock substrates preferred as fish spawning grounds. </p> <p> This is the first side scan study to have been conducted in southern Georgian Bay and the results can be used to more effectively plan and design fish rehabilitation and
restoration projects in the region. </p> / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:mcmaster.ca/oai:macsphere.mcmaster.ca:11375/21640 |
| Date | 08 1900 |
| Creators | Terlaky, Viktor |
| Contributors | Eyles, Carolyn, Geology |
| Source Sets | McMaster University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
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