Characterization of Freshwater EM Sub Bottom Sediment Properties and Target Responses for Detection of UXO with Ground-Penetrating RADAR (GPR)
Abstract
This project has answered the SERDP statement of need (SON) for site characterization and remediation technology to detect and characterize underwater UXO; i.e., existing within freshwater river or lake bottom sediments. Our objectives have been to prove and quantify the penetration of 100 400 MHz ground-penetrating radar (GPR) signals within freshwater subbottom sedimentation, and to define the electromagnetic and geologic matrix profile characteristics of buried, single, typical targets. Our approach is primarily field experimentation and observation, supported by laboratory experiments and numerical modeling designed to interpret the field data. Our most important field work has centered on a survey of JEP (JEP), a heavily UXO contaminated lake in New England. Our most important laboratory work has centered on resolving the causes of high attenuation in wet fine-grained sediments, as a proxy for any lake bottom material. Our most important findings are: 1) Likely UXO provide unique pulse waveform phase signatures that distinguish UXO from false targets; 2) UXO create their own stratigraphic disturbances such as small craters, new layers and draping of overburden sedimentation; 3) Resonance signatures are likely false metal targets; and 4) Subbottom penetration of as much as ten meters are likely to be caused by the lack of phyllosilicate clay minerals. At the time of this report, we have published one journal article with another accepted, two conference papers at the SERDP-supported Intl. Conf. on GPR, abstract presentations at Spring-06 and 07 AGU conferences and at URSI-07; 4 poster presentations at SERDP Symposia and support of one student and an MS thesis. Collaboration includes Prof. Lanbo Liu (numerical modeling, Univ. Conn.), Prof. Ben Bostick (X-Ray Diffraction, Dartmouth College) and Mr. Garry Kozak (side scan sonar, private consultant).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA603924
Entities
People
- Steven A. Arcone
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center