Review and Future Perspective of Geophysical Methods Applied in Nearshore Site Characterization

Seabed surveying is the basis of engineering development in shallow waters. At present, geophysical survey methods mainly utilize sonars for qualitative surveying, which requires calibration results found through situ drilling and sampling. Among them, parameters required designs are obtained from either tests or laboratory experiments soil samples retrieved drilling. However, experience onshore applications shows that physical quantities quantitative waters can be indirectly used to estimate directly as evaluation, has high application potential. This review analyzes various nearshore site characterization (i.e., side-scan sonar, single/multi- beam sub-bottom profiler, seismic reflection method, underwater magnetometer) challenges their application, introduces (including refraction surface wave method electrical resistivity tomography) worth focusing on future development. Three difficulties have been identified, namely, lack operational efficiency, appropriate equipment systems, sufficient guidance experimental sea applications. It hoped comprehensive discussion these will increase awareness leading improvements measuring capabilities waters, further reducing risk geotechnical hazards.