Vegetation description of the site
The site is almost exclusively covered with typical varieties of Midwestern prairie grasses. Variations in types and thicknesses follow the broad contours and areas of the site that had been laid out for specific purposes (runway, apron), but evince no major visible distinctions in vegetation across the whole site. The types and locations of plants in the mine lanes were recorded prior to burial of landmines. After burial the effect on nearby vegetation will be noted on a regular basis and will be supported by photographs, if needed. Mowing of the area will be done to maintain vegetation essentially below knee high. Vegetation will be freshly cut prior to use of the site by sensor developers.
Equipment / instrumentation and data available for use at the site
To support the analysis of testing results, geophysical data was and is being collected at the site to include:
- standard meteorological data
- wind velocity (at 35cm, 50cm, and 4m)
- mine and soil temperatures (soil at 3, 6, and 12cm, mines on the bottom of the mine, and soil temperature next to the mine under the root mat)
- pan evaporation
- extensive analysis of soil properties (to include in situ density)
- vegetation characterization
- site topology
Hourly averages of meteorological data are continuously collected (averages or accumulations stored every 30 minutes) to include: precipitation, humidity, barometric pressure, solar radiation, pan evaporation, snow height, temperature, wind speed, and wind direction. Wind speed and direction are measured at 4 heights: 35cm, 50cm, 1m and 4m. In addition, wind speed and direction are stored every 5 minutes during the noon hour to capture the turbulent changes during the most turbulent portion of the day. In addition soil moisture measurements are collected twice a week.
Thermistors were placed on the landmines buried in the calibration area to record the target temperature fluctuations every 30 minutes.
List describing the normal users of the site(s)
Any DARPA funded system developer can visit the calibration area at anytime; the only restrictions imposed will be due to considerations for safety and mine lane integrity.
Security considerations to be addressed in planning use of the site
As well as being located in the heart of Ft. Leonard Wood, an active military base, the area that contains mine lanes is surrounded by lighted double chain link fences separated by 15 feet. The inner fence is protected by an intrusion detection system that alarms when the fence is touched. Both fences have razor wire on the top. The facility is lighted at night. The building at the site is also alarmed with touch and motion sensors, similar to the fence. A risk assessment for site use is maintained at Fort Leonard Wood.
Site specific issues
Any DARPA funded system developer can visit the calibration area at anytime. The only restrictions imposed will be due to considerations for safety and mine lane integrity. To schedule a visit of the mine lane contact Vivian George at least 5 weeks in advance of the desired visit date. Other users will only be granted access to the site if such access is determined to be in DARPA’s best interest, in other words a promising chemical detector system.
The DARPA mine detection facility is funded through the UXO Detection Program. DARPA will fund facility maintenance costs through the year 2001. When the DARPA program is complete the site will be turned over to Fort Leonard Wood and all site access requests at that point in time will be handled through the Maneuver Support Battle Lab.
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