LMD simultaneously identifies the fluid mud layer and the underlying seabed during a single multibeam survey. By combining high- and low-frequency acoustic detection, it provides two data streams and continuous bathymetric coverage across the survey swath.

During the three-day demonstration, the results were compared with standard WINGHEAD X data, single-beam survey lines, and density probe measurements. The demonstration confirmed LMD’s ability to penetrate several meters of mud while simultaneously acquiring high- and low-frequency data in a single workflow.

By combining information from multiple frequency bands, a sonar system featuring LMD capabilities can distinguish between sediment layers and identify the navigational bottom separately from the overlying fluid mud.