Correlation of side-scan backscatter intensity with grain-size distribution of shelf sediments, New Jersey margin

The dependence of acoustic backscatter variations on sediment grain-size di stribution is examined using a combined analysis of 95 kHz side-scan data a nd approx. 300 grab samples from the New Jersey margin. We show that, under well-controlled circumstances, an unprecedented degree of correlation can be obtained between backscatter intensity and mean grain size. However, bac kscatter is disproportionately affected by larger grain sizes. Addition of just a few extra weight percentage of the larger grain sizes (>4 mm), which in our study is typically represented by more abundant shell hash among th e older sediments at greater water depths, can completely degrade this corr elation.