OCEAN BOTTOM RECONNAISSANCE OFF THE EAST COAST OF ANDROS ISLAND, BAHAMAS

A visual and photographic survey of the shore and ocean bottom to 600 feet 100 fathoms depth was performed off selected sites on the east coast of Andros Island, Bahamas. Climatology and oceanographic conditions are also presented. Survey methods employed both SCUBA divers and a manned submersible Perry Cubmarine PC3-B to provide direct visual observation and measurement of bottom features. The Andros shoreline was observed to vary considerably in morphology and composition barrier reef development ranges from well-developed to virtually non-existent from north to south along Andros Island. A marginal escarpment commencing offshore between 14 and 16 fathoms was observed to descent almost vertically to 100 fathoms. Various morphologic features of the escarpment suggest a lowering of sea level and subsequent subaerial and intertidal erosive processes which have been active in the recent geologic past.