Marine sediment mapping systems for rapid coastal assessment

The Gamma Isotope Mapping System (GIMS) and the Continuous Sediment Sampling System (CS³) (Fig. 1) have been developed at the Center for Applied Isotope Studies, The University of Georgia in response to the growing need for a rapid, cost-effective tool that can assess the environmental impact of the urban and industrial growth along coastal regions. Capable of mapping radionuclides, metals, and organic compounds, the combined GIMS/CS³ has been widely utilized in tracking both point and non-point source marine sediment contaminants in estuarine and offshore environments. The system consists of a towed seafloor sled, which allows in-situ radionuclide measurement, and fine-grained sediment sample collection while the survey vessel is underway. Detailed two- and three-dimensional maps are compiled from the data collected by the GIMS/CS³ and utilized to identify trends associated with point and non-point pollution sources.