Research and Support Capabilities at FISC St. Petersburg

Center Capabilities

Vessels and Vessel-Based Mapping

Airborne Mapping

Vessels

R/V G.K. Gilbert

Download the R/V G.K. Gilbert

Research Vessel G.K. Gilbert is a 50 ft, 1993, semi-V-hulled Munson Hammerhead with a 2.5 ft draft. The vessel can operate at 30 knots with three 425 hp turbo-diesels running three quiet Hamilton Jets. With all exhaust outlets above the waterline, the vessel has a very low background noise signature that increases acoustic signal-to-noise ratios to optimize survey data quality. The jet propulsion also eliminates propeller entanglement with sensor cables and improves shallow water access without damage to the boat.

map showing the bathymetric and seismic track lines off the Louisiana coast

Following the 2004 hurricane season, the R/V Gilbert ran bathymetric and seismic track lines off the Louisiana coastline to identify the location of eroded island sediments. [larger version]

The R/V G.K. Gilbert is used for many applications including sidescan sonar, seismic and bathymetric surveys, as a diving and coring platform, for oceanographic and aquifer research, red tide and fisheries research, marine-research education, and detection of archeological and security features.

Example of R/V G.K. Gilbert and security effort at Jacksonville, Florida: http://soundwaves.usgs.gov/
2005/03/fieldwork5.html

Fully-equipped, the R/V Gilbert can simultaneously run sidescan sonar imaging, swath bathymetry, high-resolution bathymetry, and three levels of seismic profiles, while maintaining coring and dive platform capabilities.

Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices

U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/capabilities/vessels/gilbert.html
Page Contact Information: Feedback
Page Last Modified: March 10, 2010 @ 11:49 AM (JSS)