If the height above the bottom of a contact is distinctly above the seabed, what classification can be determined?

The classification that can be determined when the height of a contact is distinctly above the seabed is that of a moored mine. A moored mine is designed to be anchored at a specific depth in the water column, preventing it from sinking to the seabed while still being close enough to target ships. This characteristic leads to the mine being elevated above the seabed, which is critical for its effectiveness in deterring or damaging surface vessels.

Moored mines often utilize buoyancy elements or an anchor system to maintain their position at a predetermined depth, creating a clear distinction from types such as buried mines, which are placed directly on or within the seabed. The other types of mines, like floating and drifting mines, do not maintain a fixed position relative to the seabed; floating mines can bob on the surface, while drifting mines move with the current. Thus, the distinct height above the seabed clearly indicates that this contact is classified as a moored mine.