accurate topographic and physiographic descriptions of the sea floor 

 will be developed through advances in bathymetric measuring techniques , 

 Improvements in micro-bathymetric techniques will be attempted by 

 towing a transducer close to the ocean bottom. This may allow for 

 more detailed study of the floor than is at present possible , Con- 

 currently;, reflectivity measurements of the ocean floor will be 

 taken for use in future reflectivity prediction studies Specialized 

 photogrammetric instruments are to be developed to allow rapid 

 and accurate compilation of bathymetric features with the use of under- 

 water photography o 



Observations of gravity data will provide information on the sea floor 

 and the underlying mass as manifested in density contrasts. Develop- 

 ment,, testing and evaluation of an airborne gravity measuring system 

 will be undertaken. This system must be compatible with the types 

 of naval aircraft and navigational systems available for collecting 

 other- geophysical data. 



Analyses will be made of the frequency and lower spectrum of magnetic 

 signals as monitored from aircraft. This project requires geomagnetic 

 data of high quality obtained under controlled conditions. Magnetic 

 tape recordings of geomagnetic information will be used during analysis 

 of procedures. 



Bureau of Ships FY-62 $575,000 



FT-63 $ 802 , 000 

 Within the Bureau, geological-geophysical research will be supported 

 -at the Navy Electronics Laboratory and the Lamont Geological Observatory, 

 Both programs contain elements of basic research although emphasis is 

 on problems of sound propagation, Sea floor studies at NEL will 

 consist of sound transmission characteristics in sediments, identifiable 

 properties correlated with acoustic properties, sediment types and 

 formation affecting mine hunting and mine burial, shear strength of 

 sediments, theory of deep water sediments (lithification, etc), deep 

 photographic studies of ripples, sediment transport and canyon flushing. 

 The TRIESTE will be used in connection with these studies wherever its 

 unique operational characteristics permit. Acoustic investigation of 

 the sub-bottom will be pursued using sonoprobe techniques, Likewise, 

 the program at lament is directed toward understanding the charac- 

 teristics of ocean sediments and the earth's crust beneath them as they 

 affect sound transmission. This will include detailed bathymetric 

 work, analysis of core samples, seismic studies and the development of 

 special Instruments for use in marine geophysics. 



Establishment of an acoustic data center, where the mass of unassessed 

 and uncorrelated information from various laboratories can be drawn 

 together, evaluated and placed in a fast data-retrieval system, is 

 being considered at the Underwater Sound Laboratory, 



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