Using GMT for 2D and 3D Modeling of the Ryukyu Trench Topography, Pacific Ocean

Abstract

This research focuses on the 2D and 3D geospatial analysis of the Ryukyu Trench, a deep-sea trench located in the western Pacific Ocean between Japan and Taiwan. The aim of the research is to visualize regional differences in the topography of the southern (S) and northern (N) parts of the trench. Technically, the methodology is based on using the Generic Mapping Tools (GMT) scripting toolset, for modelling the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO), and Earth Topography and Bathymetry dataset (ETOPO1) raster grids. The results demonstrated topographic differences in the two segments. The most frequent depths lie between −5,000 and −6,000 m. The N part has steeper gradient slopes and deeper bathymetry. Of the depth differences >−6,000 m, S has nine values with depths >−6,800 m while N shows 123 records (max −7,460 m). The submarine terraces of S have gentler slopes compared with the N segment. The technical approach presents GMT-based 2D and 3D cartographic modelling aimed at visualizing regional variations of the seafloor topography.

Keywords

• cartography
• gmt
• gebco
• etopo1
• ryukyu trench
• topography