Predicting the Distribution and Properties of Buried Submarine Topography on Continental Shelves
Abstract
LONG-TERM GOALS. Compile geological data and develop methods to predict the distribution and properties of features hypothesized to be responsible for sonar geoclutter. Geological structures just beneath the seafloor, such as steep-walled channels, may have high-angle reflecting surfaces that can return false sonar alarms to ships operating in the littoral zone. The major goal is to contribute to the reduction or mitigation of geologic clutter observed on fleet sonar systems. Two issues define the problem. Landscape forming issue: In area x , can the Navy expect geoclutter features and if so what are their sonar characteristics, i.e. channel orientation. Landscape burial issue: If geoclutter features are expected in area x , will the features be exposed or buried. Areas of low interest to the Navy include locations where Holocene deposits are thick. Areas of high interest to the Navy include locations where Holocene deposits are thin thereby allowing for the shallow burial of Pleistocene topography. OBJECTIVES. Define the character of different kinds of buried channels (size, shape, properties). Define the spatial distribution of these buried channels (river, tidal, hyperpycnal). Develop a global atlas of candidate geoclutter features and their characteristics. Develop and merge global databases of pertinent geological and oceanographic data. Develop predictive models and apply to margins of interest. Test predictive models in a known geoclutter rich area. Share and merge these databases, models and results with those in the Geoclutter Research Group working on tracking algorithms.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA628108
Entities
People
- Jaia P. M. Syvitski
- Scott Peckham
Organizations
- University of Colorado Boulder