Robinson, S P; Wang, L; Cheong, S H; Lepper, P A; Hartley, J P; Thompson, M; Edwards, E; Bellmann, M (2022) Acoustic characterisation of unexploded ordnance disposal in the North Sea using high order detonations. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 184. 114178

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Abstract

Results are presented of acoustic measurements made during the disposal of 54 items of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the North Sea during the pre-construction phase of two offshore windfarms. The disposals were conducted using high-order controlled detonation of donor charges placed on the seabed adjacent to the UXOs. The charge masses ranged from 2.5 kg to 295 kg TNT equivalent, with measurements made at ranges of 1.5 km to 58 km. Such detonations can present a risk of injury or death to marine mammals and other fauna from the high sound levels produced, and these results represent the largest data set of acoustic measurements ever assembled for publication. Acoustic measurements were also made on small scare charges, used as mitigation. Measured levels are compared to data from a shallow-water propagation model, and widely-adopted exposure level thresholds used for marine mammals, illustrating the potential for injury at distances of several kilometres.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	UXO; Explosion; Acoustic; Noise; Pollution
Subjects:	Acoustics > Underwater Acoustics
Divisions:	Medical, Marine & Nuclear
Identification number/DOI:	10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114178
Last Modified:	08 Feb 2023 14:50
URI:	http://eprintspublications.npl.co.uk/id/eprint/9641

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