Subsurface structures formed by benthic organisms are key components of marine ecosystems, contributing to sediment dynamics and biogeochemical cycling. However, their spatial complexity and concealment within sediments present significant challenges for non-invasive observation. We introduce a field-deployable ultrasonic technique for in situ characterization of benthic burrow morphology. By transmitting acoustic pulses into natural openings and analyzing reflected waveforms, this method enables estimation of geometric features such as depth profiles and orientation without physical excavation. Field application to Japanese mud crab (Macrophthalmus japonicus) burrows demonstrated the method’s ability to detect distinct structural patterns and quantify directional and dimensional parameters with promising accuracy. This approach provides a practical, low-impact tool for benthic habitat assessment and offers potential for broader application in ecological monitoring and environmental diagnostics. Ongoing developments in signal interpretation and system design aim to further enhance versatility across sediment conditions and burrow types.
Asakura et al. (Wed,) studied this question.