Ensemble Mapping and Change Analysis of the Seafloor Sediment Distribution in the Sylt Outer Reef, German North Sea from 2016 to 2018

Recent studies on seafloor mapping have presented different modelling methods for the automatic classification of sediments. However, most these applied models to data with appropriate numbers ground-truth samples and without consideration imbalances in datasets. In this study, we aim address issues by conducting class-specific predictions using ensemble map sediment distributions minimal combined hydroacoustic The resulting maps were then assembled into a map, which probable class was assigned location. Our approach able predict classes bias more produced reliable that can be used monitoring. also other underwater exploration data. Sediment shifts heterogenous Sylt Outer Reef, German North Sea assessed understand dynamics marine conservation area during two short timescales: 2016–2018 (17 months) 2018–2019 (4 months). analyses showed western Reef experienced fluctuations but morphology bedform features relatively stable. results provided information dynamics, assist management area.