Multibeam bathymetry of the Hakon Mosby Mud Volcano

The Ha kon Mosby Mud Volcano is a natural laboratory to study geological, geochemical, and ecological processes related to deepwater mud volcanism. High resolution bathymetry of the Ha kon Mosby Mud Volcano was recorded during RV Polarstern expedition ARK XIX/3 utilizing the multibeam system Hydrosweep DS-2. Dense spacing of the survey lines and slow ship speed ( 5 knots) provided necessary point density to generate a regular 10 m grid. Generalization was applied to preserve and represent morphological structures appropriately. Contour lines were derived showing detailed topography at the centre of the Ha kon Mosby Mud Volcano and generalized contours in the vicinity. We provide a brief introduction to the Ha kon Mosby Mud Volcano area and describe in detail data recording and processing methods, as well as the morphology of the area. Accuracy assessment was made to evaluate the reliability of a 10 m resolution terrain model. Multibeam sidescan data were recorded along with depth measurements and show re. ectivity variations from light grey values at the centre of the Ha kon Mosby Mud Volcano to dark grey values ( less reflective) at the surrounding moat.