Assessment of Risks Induced by Countermining Unexploded Large-Charge Historical Ordnance in a Shallow Water Environment—Part I: Real Case Study

The goal of the work presented in a two-companion paper is to pave way for reliably assessing risks damage buildings on shore, induced by detonation unexploded historical ordnance (UXO) large weights variable shallow water environments with depth less than 50 m. risk assessment quantified through seismic magnitude Richter scale, charges different (between 80- and 680-kg TNT-equivalent). This metric investigated experimentally using coupled seismo-acoustic approach within framework UXO clearance (countermining) campaign Mediterranean Sea. Analysis real acoustic data shows that, compared charge water, similar seabed generates signals lower frequencies higher amplitudes that propagate seabed. larger weight, amplitude. Besides explosion-coast distance, ground properties also affect signals. sediments favor longer signal duration presence late dispersive very low-frequency amplitude, whereas rocky grounds better preserve high-frequency energy propagation. For local environment considered this study, seafloor events magnitudes water. However, these are likely low enough prevent any nearby inland infrastructures.