Scattering from Rock and Rock Outcrops

Abstract

In terms of target detection and classification, scattering from exposed rock on the seafloor, (i.e., individual rocks and rock outcrops) presents some of the most difficult challenges for modern MCM and ASW sonar systems in shallow water. Work on characterizing, modeling and simulating mean levels and other statistical measures of acoustic scattering from rocks and rock outcrops is therefore critical. Unfortunately (and curiously) information on scattering from underwater rock and outcrops is almost non-existent. Scattering from rock outcrops is not simple enough to be encompassed by a single scattering strength curve, but has a variety of expressions depending on the exact geomorphology of the rock. Smoothed surfaces may actually scatter less than surrounding sediment; curvature may dramatically affect scattering and rough areas as seen on the rock outcrop in Fig. 1, display high variability which could pose difficulty for target detection and classification systems.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 30, 2014
Accession Number
ADA618019

Entities

People

  • Anthony P. Lyons

Organizations

  • Pennsylvania State University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Scattering
  • Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
  • Detection
  • False Alarms
  • Frequency
  • Grazing Angles
  • High Resolution
  • Measurement
  • Physical Properties
  • Predictive Modeling
  • Remote Sensing
  • Roughness
  • Scattering
  • Shallow Water
  • Synthetic Aperture Sonar
  • Target Detection
  • Warning Systems

Fields of Study

  • Geology

Readers

  • Acoustical Oceanography.
  • Archaeological Resource Survey
  • Educational Psychology

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy