Environmental Characterization for the RDS-4 Experiment in the Halifax Harbor Approaches and Emerald Basin

摘要

The RDS-4 sea trial is the fourth in a series of trials sponsored by TTCP MAR TP-9 on the topic of Rapidly Deployable Systems. These trials are meant to study innovative designs of a new generation of economical, lightweight, and rapidly deployable sonar systems. The RDS-4 trial is scheduled for September/ October 2002, and will take place in the approaches of Halifax Harbor and Emerald Basin (Scotian Shelf). This report characterizes the acoustic and oceanographic environment of both areas. The first site is adjacent to the coast at the entrance of Halifax Harbor. The very shallow-water site was chosen to maximize opportune target traffic near the RDS systems. The second site is located in water depths on the order of 100 m in Emerald Basin southeast of Halifax Harbor. This site will allow for a wide range of deployment depths for the experimental systems. It will also allow potential submarine targets to conduct submerged operations. Fishing activity is also more likely at this site.