Detecting Shallow Water Submarine Cables with Single Beam Echosounder in Tidung Island

Authors

  • M Hasbi Sidqi Alajuri Student
  • Henry M. Manik IPB University
  • Muhammad Zainuddin Lubis Shanghai Ocean University
  • RozeffPramana Raja Ali Haji Maritime University
  • Basyaruddin Islmail Harahap Raja Ali Haji Maritime University
  • Doli Bonardo Raja Ali Haji Maritime University
  • Marisha Pertiwi Raja Ali Haji Maritime University
  • Suhengki PLN Institute of Technology

Keywords:

Single-beam echosounder, submarine cable detection, acoustic backscatter, shallow-water acoustics, Tidung Island, underwater infrastructure monitoring

Abstract

Detecting submarine cables in tropical shallow waters remains challenging due to environmental complexity and the similarity of backscatter signatures to other seafloor objects. This study characterizes the acoustic backscatter response of two types of submarine cables concrete-armored and non-armored in the waters of Tidung Island using a SIMRAD EK-15 and a Furuno FCV-628 echosounder operating at 200 kHz. Data processing was conducted to derive Volume Backscattering Strength (SVc) and Surface Scattering Strength (SS). Measurements of the concrete-armored cable using the Furuno system produced SVc values of −6.701 dB and −5.055 dB, and SS values of −11.855 dB and −9.510 dB, indicating high reflectivity due to the impedance contrast between concrete and seawater. In contrast, measurements of the non-armored cable using the SIMRAD system yielded SVc values of −11.547 dB and −12.600 dB and SS values of −14.612 dB and −15.665 dB, reflecting weaker and more variable returns caused by direct exposure of the cable structure to sediments and hydrodynamic forces. The consistent differences between the two cable types demonstrate that each structure exhibits a distinctive acoustic signature that can be used as a discriminating parameter for mapping. This study provides important empirical evidence by presenting direct acoustic backscatter characterization of submarine cables in Indonesia and demonstrates that commercial echosounders can reliably support infrastructure inspection in shallow-water environments.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

[1] S. Purnawan, H. M. Manik, A. S. Manik, L. Elson, dan M. Kang, “Acoustic Detection and Quantification of Fish in Lancang Waters of Seribu Islands , Indonesia,” Indones. J. Mar. Sci., vol. 29, no. June, hal. 181–190, 2024, doi: 10.14710/ik.ijms.29.2.181-190.

[2] A. Z. Hamouda, M. A. Nassar, dan S. M. El-gharabawy, “Distinguish seabed objects utilizing different marine acoustic techniques q,” Egypt. J. Pet., vol. 30, no. 3, hal. 45–51, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.ejpe.2021.07.002.

[3] A. Testolin, D. Kipnis, R. Diamant, dan S. Member, “Detecting Submerged Objects Using Active Acoustics and Deep Neural Networks : A Test Case for Pelagic Fish,” IEEE Trans. Mob. Comput., vol. 21, no. 8, hal. 2776–2788, 2022, doi: 10.1109/TMC.2020.3044397.

[4] E. Prayetno dan H. Ulinnuha, “Pemanfaatan Citra Side Scan Sonar untuk Identifikasi Objek Bawah Laut,” J. Geospatial Inf. Sci. Eng., vol. 3, no. 1, hal. 49–60, 2020, doi: 10.22146/jgise.

[5] H. Feng, Y. Huang, J. Qiao, Z. Wang, dan F. Hu, “Prediction-Based Submarine Cable-Tracking Strategy for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles with Side-Scan Sonar,” J. Mar. Sci. Eng., vol. 12, hal. 1–22, 2024.

[6] J. Yan, J. Meng, dan J. Zhao, “Bottom Detection from Backscatter Data of Conventional Side Scan Sonars through 1D-UNet,” Remote Sens., vol. 13, hal. 1–23, 2021.

[7] X. Du, Y. Sun, Y. Song, L. Dong, Zhao, dan Xiaolong, “Revealing the Potential of Deep Learning for Detecting Submarine Pipelines in Side-Scan Sonar Images : An Investigation of,” Remote Sens., vol. 15, hal. 1–16, 2023.

[8] Y. N. Santosa, M. Amirudin, D. Handoko, dan & I. W. S. E. Putra, “Pemanfaatan data side scan sonar untuk identifikasi sedimen dasar laut (studi kasus perairan pesisir lingga),” J. Chart Datum, vol. 10, no. 1, hal. 47–62, 2024.

[9] B. Hamuna, S. Pujiyati, J. L. Gaol, dan T. Hestirianoto, “Quantification of the Seabed Acoustic Backscatter from a Single-Beam Echosounder Using Sonar5-Pro,” Trans. Marit. Sci., vol. 14, no. 1, hal. 1–15, 2025, doi: 10.7225/toms.v14.n01.009.

[10] Z. Weijia, W. Chongming, Q. Qingxuan, H. Xiaowei, dan C. Chi, “Application of Buried Depth Detection of Submarine Cable Based on 3D Synthetic Aperture Sonar Application of Buried Depth Detection of Submarine Cable Based on 3D Synthetic Aperture Sonar,” in EasyChair Preprint, 2022, hal. 10.

[11] L. Smith, N. Stark, dan R. Jaber, “Relating side scan sonar backscatter data to geotechnical properties for the investigation of surficial seabed sediments,” Geo-Marine Lett., vol. 43, no. 2, hal. 1–10, 2023, doi: 10.1007/s00367-023-00750-5.

[12] K. Johannesson dan R. Mitson, Fisheries acoustics: a practical manual for aquatic biomass estimation. United Nations: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 1983.

[13] H. M. Manik, “Underwater Acoustic Detection and Signal Processing Near the Seabed,” Sonar Syst., no. September 2011, 2016, doi: 10.5772/17499.

[14] H. M. Manik et al., “Developing signal processing of echo sounder for measuring acoustic backscatter Developing signal processing of echo sounder for measuring acoustic backscatter,” in IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science, Indonesia: IOP Publishing, 2020, hal. 1–8. doi: 10.1088/1755-1315/429/1/012034.

[15] X. Zheng et al., “Study on Buried Depth Protection Index of Submarine Cable Based on Physical and Numerical Modeling anchor in two-layered soil bed was proposed based on the energy ana depth of laying in Zhoushan Islands,” J. Mar. Sci. Eng., vol. 10, no. 2, hal. 1–19, 2022.

[16] S. K. Kartal, R. Hacıoğlu, K. S. Görmüş, Ş. H. Kutoğlu, dan M. K. Leblebicioğlu, “Modeling and Analysis of Sea-Surface Vehicle System for Underwater Mapping Using Single-Beam Echosounder,” J. Mar. Sci. Eng., vol. 10, no. 10, hal. 1–23, 2022.

[17] J. Yu et al., “Principles and Applications of Seismic Monitoring Based on Submarine Optical Cable,” Sensors, vol. 23, no. 12, hal. 2–15, 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/s23125600.

[18] R. M. A. Velásquez dan J. V. M. Lara, “New methodology for design and failure analysis of underground transmission lines,” Eng. Fail. Anal., vol. 115, 2020, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfailanal.2020.104604.

[19] H. S. Bae dan W. Kim, “Measurement of backscattering strength of arti fi cial bubbles in the Southern Sea of the Korean Peninsula,” Front. Acoust., vol. 10, no. January, hal. 1–11, 2024, doi: 10.3389/fmars.2023.1341989.

[20] A. Palermino et al., “Application of an analytical approach to characterize the target strength of ancillary pelagic fish species,” Sci. Rep., vol. 13, hal. 1–14, 2023, doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-42326-4.

[21] P. S. Menandro, B. Misiuk, J. S. Von Deimling, A. C. Bastos, dan C. J. Brown, “Multifrequency sea fl oor acoustic backscatter as a tool for improved biological and geological assessments updating knowledge , prospects , and challenges,” Front. Remote Sens., vol. 6, no. March, hal. 1–10, 2025, doi: 10.3389/frsen.2025.1546280.

[22] M. Roche et al., “temperature dependence of backscatter measurements by a multibeam echosounder : fi ndings and implications,” Front. Remote Sens., vol. 6, no. May, hal. 1–19, 2025, doi: 10.3389/frsen.2025.1572545.

[23] K. Trzcinska et al., “Measurement of Seafloor Acoustic Backscatter Angular Dependence at 150 kHz Using a Multibeam Echosounder,” Remote Sens., vol. 13, no. November, hal. 1–22, 2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/rs13234771.

[24] Y. Zhu, M. Kenji, T. Tokeshi, Y. Nishiyama, dan A. Kasai, “Calibration of commercial fisheries echo sounders using seabed backscatter for the estimation of fishery resources,” PLoS One, vol. 19, no. 5, hal. 1–20, 2024, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301689.

[25] R. M. Levine, C. Bassett, dan A. De Robertis, “Broadband and narrowband echosounder signals produce comparable estimates of volume backscattering,” ICES J. Mar. Sci., vol. 82, no. 9, hal. 1–11, 2025, doi: 10.1093/icesjms/fsaf160.

[26] W. Tang, K. Brown, D. Mitchell, dan J. Blanche, “Subsea Power Cable Health Management Using Machine Learning Analysis of Low-Frequency Wide Band Sonar Data,” Energies, vol. 16, no. 17, hal. 1–17, 2023, doi: doi: 10.3390/en16176172.

[27] Z. Song et al., “Earth and Space Science - 2024 - Song - Near Real‐Time In Situ Monitoring of Nearshore Ocean Currents Using Distributed.pdf,” Earth Sp. Sci., vol. 11, no. 9, hal. 1–18, 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1029/2024EA003572.

[28] A. Idrissi et al., “Detection of Seismic and Acoustic Sources Using Distributed Acoustic Sensing Technology in the Gulf of Catania,” J. Mar. Sci. Eng., vol. 13, no. 4, hal. 1–12, 2025, doi: 10.3390/jmse13040658.

[29] B. Paap, V. Vandeweijer, B. Paap, V. Vandeweijer, J. Van Wees, dan D. Kraaijpoel, “Leveraging Distributed Acoustic Sensing for monitoring vessels using submarine fiber-optic cables Applied Ocean Research Leveraging Distributed Acoustic Sensing for monitoring vessels using submarine fiber-optic cables,” Appl. Ocean Res., vol. 154, no. November, hal. 104422, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.apor.2025.104422.

[30] B. Drapp dan M. Mildner, “Enhancing Coastal Critical Infrastructure Protection with Distributed Acoustic Sensing ( DAS ),” Tech. Pap., hal. 1–12, 2025.

[31] M. Clare, R. Wopschall, dan C. Schinella, Submarine Cable Protection and the Environment, no. April. International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), 2024.

[32] Y. Chen et al., “Submarine Cable Detection Method Based on Multisensor Communication,” J. Sensors, vol. 2021, hal. 9, 2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/1176347.

[33] J. Jung, Y. Lee, dan J. Park, “Multi-Modal Sonar Mapping of Offshore Cable Lines with an Autonomous Surface Vehicle,” J. Mar. Sci. Eng., vol. 10, no. 3, hal. 2–15, 2022, doi: 10.3390/jmse10030361.

[34] B. Hamuna, S. Pujiyati, J. L. Gaol, dan T. Hestirianotok, “CLASSIFICATION AND PREDICTION OF BENTHIC HABITAT BASED ON SCIENTIFIC ECHOSOUNDER DATA : APPLICATION OF MACHINE LEARNING,” Appl. Comput. Sci., vol. 20, no. 4, hal. 100–116, 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.35784/acs-2024-42.

[35] W. Choi et al., “Physics-Based Modelling and Simulation of Multibeam Echosounder Perception for Autonomous Underwater Manipulation,” Front. Robot. AI, vol. 8, no. September, hal. 1–11, 2021, doi: 10.3389/frobt.2021.706646.

[36] P. H. Dahl, S. Member, dan D. R. D. Osto, “Vector Acoustic Analysis of Time-Separated Modal Arrivals From Explosive Sound Sources During the 2017 Seabed Characterization Experiment,” IEEE J. Ocean. Eng., vol. 45, no. 1, hal. 131–143, 2020, doi: 10.1109/JOE.2019.2902500.

[37] F. Cheng, B. Chi, N. J. Lindsey, T. C. Dawe, dan J. B. A. Franklin, “Utilizing distributed acoustic sensing and ocean bottom fiber optic cables for submarine structural characterization,” Sci. Rep., hal. 1–14, 2021, doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-84845-y.

[38] K. Taweesintananon, P. Public, C. Limited, dan M. Landro, “Distributed acoustic sensing for near-surface imaging using submarine telecommunication cable : A case study in the Trondheimsfjord , Norway,” no. June, 2021, doi: 10.1190/geo2020-0834.1.

[39] Simrad, Simrad EK15 Multi purpose scientific echo sounder. AS: Kongsberg Maritime, 2012.

[40] J. Ha, M. Resources, J. Shin, dan M. Resources, “A Case Study of Completely Buried Wind-Power Cable Detection Using 3D Acoustic Imaging,” J. Environ. Eng. Geophys., vol. 7, no. 3, hal. 1–13, 2023, doi: 10.32389/JEEG22-003.

[41] C. R. Vincent, “SENSOR ANALYTICS FOR SUBSEA PIPELINE AND CABLE INSPECTION : A REVIEW,” Louisiana State University, 2024. doi: repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/5913.

Downloads

Published

2026-06-11

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Applied Geospatial Information (JAGI)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Applied Geospatial Information

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Copyright @2023. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium. Copyrights of all materials published in JAGI are freely available without charge to users or / institution. Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, search, or link to full-text articles in this journal without asking by giving appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. All of the remix, transform, or build upon the material must distribute the contributions under the same license as the original. 

Similar Articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.