Improved capability, reliability, and productivity for underwater geophysical mapping of unexploded ordnance

This paper presents results from technology development efforts over the last 6 years focused on underwater unexploded ordnance (UXO) detection and classification. Our approach exploits integrated geo-referenced sensing technologies and has application for projects ranging from ports & harbor development to offshore energy and wind farm development. Effective detection of UXO, achieved through multiple technologies, utilizes methods documented in the United States Air Force (USAF) Military Munitions Response Program (MMPR) Underwater Military Munitions Guidance Document, published in 2014. Assessment phases and technologies include: remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for initial site reconnaissance; multibeam echosounder (MBES) for bathymetry; sidescan sonar (SSS) for seafloor target detection; sub-bottom profiling for sediment characterization; stationary scanning sonar for highresolution bottom conditions; magnetic field mapping via towed, vessel-deployed, bottom-following wing or from a towed floating platform for shallow-water settings; ROV-based optical and acoustic surveys and target interrogations; and ROV-based electromagnetic induction (EMI) arrays for target interrogation and classification. The technical challenges relating to accurate geo-positioning of these systems and examples of co-registration results are discussed in [1]. Additionally, our research includes development of a vertically-integrated suite of platforms exploiting common data acquisition, data processing and data analysis tools. The presented marine survey platforms are compatible with low-altitude helicopter systems and ground-based vehicular systems used for terrestrial UXO detection. Cross-platform system compatibility maximizes deployment efficiency through use of the Geophysical Data Center (GDC) technology. The GDC is a comprehensive set of web-enabled data handling, data processing, data analysis, and quality control (QC) tools. Developed over the last 10 years, the GDC has facilitated centralized control of over 100 remotely executed projects. The GDC standardizes procedures - improving quality and reliability at reduced costs. New GDC tools include the HDR Tracker software suite, which is a system to manage all survey metadata and enable data collection and data processing audits and reporting. This approach addresses the growing need for full transparency in the delivery of underwater UXO assessment results in this evolving market.