Use Of Acoustics In Localizing Under-Ice Oil Spills

Because the oil-water interface is relatively smooth, acoustic backscatter from it should be small compared with that from the ice-water interface which is relatively rough because of the freezing process. The surface backscattering strength of ice was measured in the laboratory and in the field to determine the feasibility of using acoustics as a tool for detecting and localizing under-ice oil spills. The results were used to develop a least-squares regression model of backscattering strength. Calculations showed that mapping of a large area with a sonar is possible. Optimum parameter values for such a system are yet to be determined.