ELF Communications System Ecological Monitoring Program: Electromagnetic Field Measurements and Engineering Support
Abstract
The ELF Communications System enables the U.S. Navy to communicate with submarines worldwide at operational depth and speed. The system consists of transmitting facilities in Wisconsin and Michigan that synchronously broadcast messages. Transmitters became fully operational in Wisconsin in 1985 and in Michigan in 1989. In situ studies to monitor for possible bioelectromagnetic effects from operation of both transmitters were initiated in 1982. The studies use a split-plot or blocked strategy to examine differences in space (treatment/ control sites) or time (preoperational/operational). Physiological, developmental, behavioral, and ecological variables for dominant biota in upland, wetland, and riverine habitats near the ELF system have been examined in these studies. In Wisconsin, data collection for all studies was completed by the end of 1989; in Michigan, data collection continued through 1993. In support of this research, IIT Research Institute has annually documented the ambient ELF electromagnetic (EM) environment, including EM fields produced by both the ELF system and electric power distribution (60 Hz). This report documents ELF EM field intensities at all study sites active in 1993, and is comprehensive for the period 1983-1993. Other engineering activities performed during 1993 in support of the ecological studies are also described.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA280489
Entities
People
- D. P. Haradam
- J. R. Gauger
- John E. Zapotosky
Organizations
- IIT Research Institute