Biologics may influence sonar detection, the neutralization of mines by EOD divers, and the performance of acoustic influence mines. 

. Marine biofouling Both plant and animal forms constitute major fouling agents in shallow waters, animal forms being dominant in deeper waters.

. Marine life Divers can be exposed to dangerous marine life in open waters.

. Bioluminescence Bioluminescent displays may reveal minedrops or outline moored mines and cables.

. Biological ambient noise Minehunting sonars and most acoustic mines are not seriously affected by this type of ambient noise.

Water temperature, and temperature profile versus depth can play a significant role in MIW operations.

Strong negative temperature gradients found in shallow water will result in strong bottom reverberation. Detection ranges may be sharply reduced.

Depth and tilt angles can be adjusted to be optimally tuned to existing environmental conditions.

Diver performance is affected by water temperature as well as water clarity.

. In cold water, a divers ability to concentrate and work efficiently will be greatly reduced.

. The possibility of exhaustion exists when diving operations are conducted in the vicinity of industrial outflow due to higher temperature waste water.

There are salinity considerations that must be addressed in the planning and conducting of MIW operations.

. Areas of lower salinity (river runoff, ice edge) will reduce the conductivity of the water and overall effectiveness of MIW operations. Conductivity is directly proportional to salinity and temperature. . In coastal environments with a large input of fresh water from river runoff, a strong positive sound velocity gradient can form causing upward refraction of the sonar beam.

There are several METOC considerations that must be addressed in the planning and conducting of MIW operations.

. Surface winds If they are too strong, can we have an effective operation?

. Wave action Affects underwater visibility, burial and movement of mines, accuracy of navigation, sound velocity profiles, deployment of MNVs, sweep gear, and divers.

. Prevailing visibility If obstructions to visibility are present, navigation, minehunting and sweep effectiveness is decreased.

. Hours of daylight Airborne minehunting, minesweeping, and EOD diver operations are primarily conducted during daylight hours.

Now lets discuss the environmental support for amphibious warfare (AMW) operations.

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