LONG-TERM GOAL

The long-term objective of this research is to develop a theoretical foundation for the design of new multi-static sonar concepts for littoral seabed imaging and mine counter measures (MCM) operations. Multistatic configurations have been made possible by the development of the new Autonomous Ocean Sampling Network (AOSN) concept, based on recent advances in underwater vehicle and communication technology. SCIENTIFIC OBJECTIVES The specific objective of this project is to develop and validate theoretical and numerical models of the 3-D spatial statistics of the seismo-acoustic field produced by targets on and within a rough elastic seabed. These models are then applied to develop an improved understanding of the dominant physical processes governing the performance of moderate-to-high frequency sonar systems for detection and classification of objects above and below the seabed in shallow water environments. Also, these models will be important processing tools for new 3-D physics-based seabed target detection and classification concepts. TECHNICAL OBJECTIVES The classical approach for bottom target detection and identification, is to image the botto