The use of Sediment Profile Imaging (SPI) for environmental impact assessments and monitoring studies

Sediment profile imaging (SPI) technology has been used in some form since 1969 to investigate the structure and appearance of near-surface aquatic sediments. The recognition of patterns in images and their relationship to seafloor processes mediated by biological, physical and chemical interactions was pioneered by academic scientists interested in sedimentary structures and evidence of biological communities in the geological record.