Prior Guided, Informed Deep Learning for Detection and Classification of Underwater Military Munitions

Abstract

Waterways and wetlands near past military training exercises are often contaminated with unexploded ordnance (UXO). These objects present concerns not only to human safety but also for the environment. Thus, leaving them in place in areas not earmarked for development or human activity is unacceptable. Furthermore, UXO are often constructed using materials that corrode over time in the water exposing their internal components (including dangerous chemicals) to the maritime environment and causing havoc on the nearby ecosystems. The safety hazards originating from UXO contribute to detrimental secondary effects on local economies. For example, leaching chemicals from UXO cause ecosystem disturbance through contamination of maritime habitats affecting the fishing industry. Additionally, the safety hazard posed by UXO inhibits the ability to dredge, potentially halting shipping and associated supply chains, prevents offshore development inhibiting area expansion of coastal communities, averts installation of offshore wind-farms and drilling rigs, and prohibits cable laying thereby preventing the installation of undersea communication infrastructure. UXO may also spatially migrate due to hydrodynamic forces negatively influencing neighboring areas causing their problematic influence to grow larger with time.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 14, 2023
Accession Number
AD1229788

Entities

People

  • Vishal Monga

Organizations

  • Pennsylvania State University

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Coastal and Marine Engineering/Sediment Transport/Hydraulic Engineering
  • Military/Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technology
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • AI & ML - DoD AI Strategy