Clyde Estuary boomer and multibeam survey interpretation, 2002-2009

The objectives of this desk study were to interpret sedimentary core data and boomer / multibeam survey records of naturally occurring seabed and sub-seabed features in the Firth of Clyde, including the Clyde Estuary. The interpretations attempt to provide a regional geological framework to assist with plans for sampling seabed and sub-seabed sedimentary sinks with a history of contamination. Most importantly the regional framework provided a context in which to interpret geochemical data and to help separate anthropogenic contamination from natural variations in sediment composition.
Specific aims were to
• Review historical sediment erosion and depositional processes in the context of their likely impacts on sampling strategy.
• Review the research findings from areas where published data and preceding unpublished research reveal the present-day understanding of regional seabed sediment distribution patterns, modern seabed processes influencing transport and deposition of bedload sediments.
• Reconcile new interpretations of seabed sediment and sub-seabed high resolution boomer profile data with multibeam data.
• Create an account of the post-glacial geological evolution of the Clyde Estuary.
The data generated during the surveys have allowed a summary of the post glacial geological history of the Clyde Estuary to be made, with descriptions of sea bed character linked to deglaciation and the evolution of the study area over the past 20,000 years.