A New Global Bathymetry Model: STO_IEU2020

Abstract

To address the limitations in global seafloor topography model construction, a scheme is proposed that takes into account the efficiency of seafloor topography prediction, the applicability of inversion methods, the heterogeneity of seafloor environments, and the inversion advantages of sea surface gravity field element. Using the South China Sea as a study area, we analyzed and developed the methodology in modeling the seafloor topography, and then evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of the modeling strategy. Based on the proposed modeling approach, the STO_IEU2020 global bathymetry model was constructed using various input data, including the SIO V29.1 gravity anomaly (GA) and vertical gravity gradient anomaly (VGG), as well as bathymetric data from multiple sources (single beam, multi-beam, seismic, Electronic Navigation Chart, and radar sensor). Five evaluation areas located in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans were used to assess the performance of the generated model. The results showed that 79%, 89%, 72%, 92% and 93% of the checkpoints were within the ±100 m range for the five evaluation areas, and with average relative accuracy better than 6%. The generated STO_IEU2020 model correlates well with the SIO V20.1 model, indicating that the proposed construction strategy for global seafloor topography is feasible.

Keywords

• satellite altimetry
• gravity anomaly (GA)
• vertical gravity gradient anomaly (VGG)
• seafloor topography (ST)
• modeling strategy