Detection of unexploded ordnance (UXO) using marine magnetic gradiometer data

Recent development of marine magnetic gradient systems, using arrays of sensors, has made it possible to survey large contaminated areas very quickly. However, underwater Unexploded Ordnances (UXO) can be moved by water currents. Because of this mobility, the cleanup process in such situations becomes dynamic rather than static. This implies that detection should occur in near real-time for successful remediation. Therefore, there is a need for a fast interpretation method to rapidly detect signatures of underwater objects in marine magnetic data. In this paper, we present a fast method for location and characterization of underwater UXOs. The approach utilises gradient interpretation techniques (analytic signal and Euler methods) to locate the objects precisely. Then, using an iterative linear least-squares technique, we obtain the magnetization characteristics of the sources. The approach was applied to a theoretical marine magnetic anomaly, with random errors, over a known source. We demonstrate the practical utility of the method using marine magnetic gradient data from Japan.