“Carleton University Students Use Drones to Detect WWII Bombs”

Graduate students from Carleton University utilized drones equipped with magnetometers to detect magnetic signals associated with unexploded bombs in the Mer Bleue Bog. This area, spanning 3,500 hectares in Ottawa’s east end, was employed as a practice bombing range during World War II and is currently managed by the National Capital Commission (NCC).

The bog, primarily composed of peat, served as an active bombing site between 1942 and 1945. While the Department of National Defence (DND) has knowledge of the bomb drop locations, the quantity of unexploded ordnances (UXOs) remains uncertain. However, after a drone survey in a specific zone, the student team identified more than 17 UXOs.

The team’s use of technology revealed the presence of buried explosives without specifying the exact nature of the objects. The historical context and geological features of the site suggest a significant presence of bombs, detonated or intact.

Although not directly engaged in the project, DND expressed support for innovative approaches in UXO removal. Efforts to clear the range in 1960 were impeded by the challenging terrain, leading to the transfer of land ownership to NCC in 1965 without a formal declaration of bomb-free status.

During the project, drones were flown over the survey area for five hours daily over four days. The unique composition of the bog facilitated the detection of non-organic anomalies by the sensors used. This approach allowed for non-intrusive surveying, highlighting the potential to conduct such operations without heavy machinery.

The aerial surveying technology showcased in the project holds promise for diverse applications beyond UXO detection, including mining and land remediation. The team aims to demonstrate the versatility of this technology for defense and resource extraction purposes.

Despite the low human contact with the bog’s explosive-laden areas, DND stated that the risk of UXO exposure is minimal. As long as the site remains undeveloped, the agency has no immediate plans for bomb removal, ensuring the maintenance of low risk levels.

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