Autonomous Sea-Ice Thickness Survey

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: AD1012491 | Open PDF

Abstract:

We conducted an autonomous survey of sea-ice thickness using the Polar rover Yeti to tow an electromagnetic induction meter over sea ice in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. This proof-of-concept survey aimed to demonstrate improved efficiency relative to manual surveys routinely conducted to assess the safety of roads and runways constructed on the sea ice. Yeti executed the autonomous survey on 11 November 2014. This report describes the methods used, compares the measured ice-thickness profiles with manual borehole measurements, assesses the merits of autonomous surveys relative to manual ones, and describes potential future applications.

Author(s):
Lever, James H.
Author Organization(s):
ENGINEER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER HANOVER NH HANOVER United States
Descriptive Note:
Technical Report
Pagination:
0024

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release;

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
ERDC/CRREL-SR-16-4
Task Number(s):
EPANT1417
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_4.6_Engineering; JCA_4.6.1_General Engineering; JCA_4_Logistics; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_1.2.6_Concepts; JCA_8_Building Partnerships
Modernization Areas:
Autonomy; AI and Machine Learning
Communities of Interest:
Autonomy
Descriptor(s):
Surveys, Antarctica, Ice formation, thickness, ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION, robots, autonomous navigation
Keyword(s):
EM31(electromagnetic meter), EPOLAR(Engineering for Polar Operations Logistics and Research), McMurdo Station (Antarctica), Sea ice runway, Yeti rover equipment
Report Date:
2016 Jun 01
Creation Date:
2017 Feb 24