Multibeam acoustic-backscatter data were collected offshore of Morro Bay, California, from 2016 to 2019. The data were collected during five separate multi-agency surveys for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)/Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing I (Cal DIG I) project, under a collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), using Simrad 700 series hull-mounted multibeam echosounders. Data in 2017 and 2018 were acquired by the NOAA Hydrographic Vessel Rainier (surveys H1309, H13151, and H13152). The 2018 data acquired by the Ranier were collected during USGS field activity 2018-641-FA. Additional data were collected in 2019 by the NOAA Hydrographic Survey Vessel Fairweather (survey W00479). Data from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography R/V Sally Ride collected in 2016 (survey SR1604) were used to fill in a small gap in the NOAA data. The acoustic-backscatter data from the five surveys were combined into a single raster and are provided as a 10-meter resolution GeoTIFF.

This part of DS 781 presents data for the acoustic-backscatter map of Offshore of Pacifica map area, California. Backscatter data are provided as two separate grids depending on mapping system. The raster data files are included in "Backscatter7125_OffshorePacifica.zip," which is accessible from https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/781/OffshorePacifica/data_catalog_OffshorePacifica.html. These data accompany the pamphlet and map sheets of Edwards, B.D., Phillips, E.L., Dartnell, P., Greene, H.G., Bretz, C.K., Kvitek, R.G., Hartwell, S.R., Johnson, S.Y., Cochrane, G.R., Dieter, B.E., Sliter, R.W., Ross, S.L., Golden, N.E., Watt, J.T., Chin, J.L., Erdey, M.D., Krigsman, L.M., Manson, M.W., and Endris, C.A. (S.A. Cochran and B.D. Edwards, eds.), 2014, California State Waters Map Series—Offshore of Pacifica, California: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2014–1260, pamphlet 38 p., 10 sheets, scale 1:24,000, https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20141260. The acoustic-backscatter map of the Offshore of Pacifica, California was generated from backscatter data collected by Fugro Pelagos and by California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). Mapping was completed between 2005 and 2007, using a combination of 400-kHz Reson 7125 and 244-kHz Reson 8101 multibeam echosounders. Within the final imagery, brighter tones indicate higher backscatter intensity, and darker tones indicate lower backscatter intensity. The intensity represents a complex interaction between the acoustic pulse and the seafloor, as well as characteristics within the shallow subsurface, providing a general indication of seafloor texture and composition. Backscatter intensity depends on the acoustic source level; the frequency used to image the seafloor; the grazing angle; the composition and character of the seafloor, including grain size, water content, bulk density, and seafloor roughness; and some biological cover. Harder and rougher bottom types such as rocky outcrops or coarse sediment typically return stronger intensities (high backscatter, lighter tones), whereas softer bottom types such as fine sediment return weaker intensities (low backscatter, darker tones).

This part of DS 781 presents data for the acoustic-backscatter map of Offshore of Pacifica map area, California. Backscatter data are provided as two separate grids depending on mapping system. The raster data files are included in "Backscatter7125_OffshorePacifica.zip," which is accessible from https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/781/OffshorePacifica/data_catalog_OffshorePacifica.html. These data accompany the pamphlet and map sheets of Edwards, B.D., Phillips, E.L., Dartnell, P., Greene, H.G., Bretz, C.K., Kvitek, R.G., Hartwell, S.R., Johnson, S.Y., Cochrane, G.R., Dieter, B.E., Sliter, R.W., Ross, S.L., Golden, N.E., Watt, J.T., Chin, J.L., Erdey, M.D., Krigsman, L.M., Manson, M.W., and Endris, C.A. (S.A. Cochran and B.D. Edwards, eds.), 2014, California State Waters Map Series—Offshore of Pacifica, California: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2014–1260, pamphlet 38 p., 10 sheets, scale 1:24,000, https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20141260. The acoustic-backscatter map of the Offshore of Pacifica, California was generated from backscatter data collected by Fugro Pelagos and by California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). Mapping was completed between 2005 and 2007, using a combination of 400-kHz Reson 7125 and 244-kHz Reson 8101 multibeam echosounders. Within the final imagery, brighter tones indicate higher backscatter intensity, and darker tones indicate lower backscatter intensity. The intensity represents a complex interaction between the acoustic pulse and the seafloor, as well as characteristics within the shallow subsurface, providing a general indication of seafloor texture and composition. Backscatter intensity depends on the acoustic source level; the frequency used to image the seafloor; the grazing angle; the composition and character of the seafloor, including grain size, water content, bulk density, and seafloor roughness; and some biological cover. Harder and rougher bottom types such as rocky outcrops or coarse sediment typically return stronger intensities (high backscatter, lighter tones), whereas softer bottom types such as fine sediment return weaker intensities (low backscatter, darker tones).

This part of DS 781 presents data for the acoustic-backscatter map of the Offshore of San Francisco map area, California. Backscatter data are provided as separate grids depending on mapping system used and processing techniques. The raster data file is included in "BackscatterC_8101_2008_OffshoreSanFrancisco.zip," which is accessible from https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/781/OffshoreSanFrancisco/data_catalog_OffshoreSanFrancisco.html. These data accompany the pamphlet and map sheets of Cochrane, G.R., Johnson, S.Y., Dartnell, P., Greene, H.G., Erdey, M.D., Golden, N.E., Hartwell, S.R., Endris, C.A., Manson, M.W., Sliter, R.W., Kvitek, R.G., Watt, J.T., Ross, S.L., and Bruns, T.R. (G.R. Cochrane and S.A. Cochran, eds.), 2015, California State Waters Map Series—Offshore of San Francisco, California (ver. 1.1, June 2015): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2015–1068, pamphlet 39 p., 10 sheets, scale 1:24,000, https://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ofr20151068. The acoustic-backscatter map of the Offshore of San Francisco Map Area, California was generated from backscatter data collected by Fugro Pelagos and by California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). Mapping was completed between 2004 and 2008, using a combination of 400-kHz Reson 7125 and 244-kHz Reson 8101 multibeam echosounders. Within the final imagery, brighter tones indicate higher backscatter intensity, and darker tones indicate lower backscatter intensity. The intensity represents a complex interaction between the acoustic pulse and the seafloor, as well as characteristics within the shallow subsurface, providing a general indication of seafloor texture and composition. Backscatter intensity depends on the acoustic source level; the frequency used to image the seafloor; the grazing angle; the composition and character of the seafloor, including grain size, water content, bulk density, and seafloor roughness; and some biological cover. Harder and rougher bottom types such as rocky outcrops or coarse sediment typically return stronger intensities (high backscatter, lighter tones), whereas softer bottom types such as fine sediment return weaker intensities (low backscatter, darker tones).

This part of DS 781 presents data for the acoustic-backscatter map of the Offshore of San Francisco map area, California. Backscatter data are provided as separate grids depending on mapping system used and processing techniques. The raster data file is included in "BackscatterD_7125_2008_OffshoreSanFrancisco.zip," which is accessible from https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/781/OffshoreSanFrancisco/data_catalog_OffshoreSanFrancisco.html. These data accompany the pamphlet and map sheets of Cochrane, G.R., Johnson, S.Y., Dartnell, P., Greene, H.G., Erdey, M.D., Golden, N.E., Hartwell, S.R., Endris, C.A., Manson, M.W., Sliter, R.W., Kvitek, R.G., Watt, J.T., Ross, S.L., and Bruns, T.R. (G.R. Cochrane and S.A. Cochran, eds.), 2015, California State Waters Map Series—Offshore of San Francisco, California (ver. 1.1, June 2015): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2015–1068, pamphlet 39 p., 10 sheets, scale 1:24,000, https://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ofr20151068. The acoustic-backscatter map of the Offshore of San Francisco Map Area, California was generated from backscatter data collected by Fugro Pelagos and by California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). Mapping was completed between 2004 and 2008, using a combination of 400-kHz Reson 7125 and 244-kHz Reson 8101 multibeam echosounders. Within the final imagery, brighter tones indicate higher backscatter intensity, and darker tones indicate lower backscatter intensity. The intensity represents a complex interaction between the acoustic pulse and the seafloor, as well as characteristics within the shallow subsurface, providing a general indication of seafloor texture and composition. Backscatter intensity depends on the acoustic source level; the frequency used to image the seafloor; the grazing angle; the composition and character of the seafloor, including grain size, water content, bulk density, and seafloor roughness; and some biological cover. Harder and rougher bottom types such as rocky outcrops or coarse sediment typically return stronger intensities (high backscatter, lighter tones), whereas softer bottom types such as fine sediment return weaker intensities (low backscatter, darker tones).

This part of DS 781 presents data for the acoustic-backscatter map of the Offshore of San Francisco map area, California. Backscatter data are provided as separate grids depending on mapping system used and processing techniques. The raster data file is included in "BackscatterD_7125_2008_OffshoreSanFrancisco.zip," which is accessible from https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/781/OffshoreSanFrancisco/data_catalog_OffshoreSanFrancisco.html. These data accompany the pamphlet and map sheets of Cochrane, G.R., Johnson, S.Y., Dartnell, P., Greene, H.G., Erdey, M.D., Golden, N.E., Hartwell, S.R., Endris, C.A., Manson, M.W., Sliter, R.W., Kvitek, R.G., Watt, J.T., Ross, S.L., and Bruns, T.R. (G.R. Cochrane and S.A. Cochran, eds.), 2015, California State Waters Map Series—Offshore of San Francisco, California (ver. 1.1, June 2015): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2015–1068, pamphlet 39 p., 10 sheets, scale 1:24,000, https://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ofr20151068. The acoustic-backscatter map of the Offshore of San Francisco Map Area, California was generated from backscatter data collected by Fugro Pelagos and by California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). Mapping was completed between 2004 and 2008, using a combination of 400-kHz Reson 7125 and 244-kHz Reson 8101 multibeam echosounders. Within the final imagery, brighter tones indicate higher backscatter intensity, and darker tones indicate lower backscatter intensity. The intensity represents a complex interaction between the acoustic pulse and the seafloor, as well as characteristics within the shallow subsurface, providing a general indication of seafloor texture and composition. Backscatter intensity depends on the acoustic source level; the frequency used to image the seafloor; the grazing angle; the composition and character of the seafloor, including grain size, water content, bulk density, and seafloor roughness; and some biological cover. Harder and rougher bottom types such as rocky outcrops or coarse sediment typically return stronger intensities (high backscatter, lighter tones), whereas softer bottom types such as fine sediment return weaker intensities (low backscatter, darker tones).

Acoustic backscatter data were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey in July 2008 in the northern Santa Barbara Channel in southern California. Data were collected aboard the R/V Parke Snavely, during USGS Field Activity S-9-08-SC, using a bathymetric sidescan system.

This part of DS 781 presents data for the acoustic-backscatter map of the Offshore of San Francisco map area, California. Backscatter data are provided as separate grids depending on mapping system used and processing techniques. The raster data file is included in "BackscatterA_8101_2004_OffshoreSanFrancisco.zip," which is accessible from https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/781/OffshoreSanFrancisco/data_catalog_OffshoreSanFrancisco.html. These data accompany the pamphlet and map sheets of Cochrane, G.R., Johnson, S.Y., Dartnell, P., Greene, H.G., Erdey, M.D., Golden, N.E., Hartwell, S.R., Endris, C.A., Manson, M.W., Sliter, R.W., Kvitek, R.G., Watt, J.T., Ross, S.L., and Bruns, T.R. (G.R. Cochrane and S.A. Cochran, eds.), 2015, California State Waters Map Series—Offshore of San Francisco, California (ver. 1.1, June 2015): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2015–1068, pamphlet 39 p., 10 sheets, scale 1:24,000, https://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ofr20151068. The acoustic-backscatter map of the Offshore of San Francisco Map Area, California was generated from backscatter data collected by Fugro Pelagos and by California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). Mapping was completed between 2004 and 2008, using a combination of 400-kHz Reson 7125 and 244-kHz Reson 8101 multibeam echosounders. Within the final imagery, brighter tones indicate higher backscatter intensity, and darker tones indicate lower backscatter intensity. The intensity represents a complex interaction between the acoustic pulse and the seafloor, as well as characteristics within the shallow subsurface, providing a general indication of seafloor texture and composition. Backscatter intensity depends on the acoustic source level; the frequency used to image the seafloor; the grazing angle; the composition and character of the seafloor, including grain size, water content, bulk density, and seafloor roughness; and some biological cover. Harder and rougher bottom types such as rocky outcrops or coarse sediment typically return stronger intensities (high backscatter, lighter tones), whereas softer bottom types such as fine sediment return weaker intensities (low backscatter, darker tones).

This part of DS 781 presents data for the acoustic-backscatter map of the Offshore of San Francisco map area, California. Backscatter data are provided as separate grids depending on mapping system used and processing techniques. The raster data file is included in "BackscatterA_8101_2004_OffshoreSanFrancisco.zip," which is accessible from https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/781/OffshoreSanFrancisco/data_catalog_OffshoreSanFrancisco.html. These data accompany the pamphlet and map sheets of Cochrane, G.R., Johnson, S.Y., Dartnell, P., Greene, H.G., Erdey, M.D., Golden, N.E., Hartwell, S.R., Endris, C.A., Manson, M.W., Sliter, R.W., Kvitek, R.G., Watt, J.T., Ross, S.L., and Bruns, T.R. (G.R. Cochrane and S.A. Cochran, eds.), 2015, California State Waters Map Series—Offshore of San Francisco, California (ver. 1.1, June 2015): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2015–1068, pamphlet 39 p., 10 sheets, scale 1:24,000, https://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ofr20151068. The acoustic-backscatter map of the Offshore of San Francisco Map Area, California was generated from backscatter data collected by Fugro Pelagos and by California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). Mapping was completed between 2004 and 2008, using a combination of 400-kHz Reson 7125 and 244-kHz Reson 8101 multibeam echosounders. Within the final imagery, brighter tones indicate higher backscatter intensity, and darker tones indicate lower backscatter intensity. The intensity represents a complex interaction between the acoustic pulse and the seafloor, as well as characteristics within the shallow subsurface, providing a general indication of seafloor texture and composition. Backscatter intensity depends on the acoustic source level; the frequency used to image the seafloor; the grazing angle; the composition and character of the seafloor, including grain size, water content, bulk density, and seafloor roughness; and some biological cover. Harder and rougher bottom types such as rocky outcrops or coarse sediment typically return stronger intensities (high backscatter, lighter tones), whereas softer bottom types such as fine sediment return weaker intensities (low backscatter, darker tones).

This part of SIM 3306 presents data for the acoustic-backscatter map of the Offshore of San Gregorio map area, California. Backscatter data are provided as two separate grids depending on mapping system (Reson 7125 and Reson 8101). The raster data file is included in "BackscatterA_8101_OffshoreSanGregorio.zip," which is accessible from https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/781/OffshoreSanGregorio/data_catalog_OffshoreSanGregorio.html. These data accompany the pamphlet and map sheets of Cochrane, G.R., Dartnell, P., Greene, H.G., Watt, J.T., Golden, N.E., Endris, C.A., Phillips, E.L., Hartwell, S.R., Johnson, S.Y., Kvitek, R.G., Erdey, M.D., Bretz, C.K., Manson, M.W., Sliter, R.W., Ross, S.L., Dieter, B.E., and Chin, J.L. (G.R. Cochrane and S.A. Cochran, eds.), 2014, California State Waters Map Series—Offshore of San Gregorio, California: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map 3306, pamphlet 38 p., 10 sheets, scale 1:24,000, https://doi.org/10.3133/sim3306. The acoustic-backscatter map of the Offshore of San Gregorio, California, map area was generated from backscatter data collected by Fugro Pelagos and by California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). Mapping was completed in 2006 and 2007, using a combination of 400-kHz Reson 7125 and 244-kHz Reson 8101 multibeam echosounders. Within the final imagery, brighter tones indicate higher backscatter intensity, and darker tones indicate lower backscatter intensity. The intensity represents a complex interaction between the acoustic pulse and the seafloor, as well as characteristics within the shallow subsurface, providing a general indication of seafloor texture and composition. Backscatter intensity depends on the acoustic source level; the frequency used to image the seafloor; the grazing angle; the composition and character of the seafloor, including grain size, water content, bulk density, and seafloor roughness; and some biological cover. Harder and rougher bottom types such as rocky outcrops or coarse sediment typically return stronger intensities (high backscatter, lighter tones), whereas softer bottom types such as fine sediment return weaker intensities (low backscatter, darker tones).