Reflection Energetics and Acoustic Impedance of the Seabed from Normal-Incidence Seismic Reflections-Somali Basin.

Abstract

Useful estimates of seabed acoustic impedance variations in depth and location can be derived from measurements of the travel time rate at which low frequency normal incidence reflected seismic energy is received. Analysis techniques are straightforward and easily applied to station data dn to traverse profiles to evaluate the lateral continuity of material properties from one location to another. Added to critical judgment, geological and geophysical evidence, e.g. drill-hole cores, outcrops and interval and critical refraction velocity measurements, reflection energetics measurements provide improved insight with which to justify classifications of seabed materials within the constraints of available information. Major conclusions from our audit of reflected energy are that reflection energetics measurements and impedance estimates agree with and/or corroborate the other geological and geophysical evidence, and that such an audit has unique utility in the interpretation of seismic reflection profiles, particularly as to the degree of lateral continuity in the seabed physical properties. Logical extension of the technique to higher frequencies will provide higher resolution for assessing the surficial seabed characteristics.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1976
Accession Number
ADA031586

Entities

People

  • E. O. Lacasce Jr.
  • Hartley Hoskins
  • S. T. Knott

Organizations

  • Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Impedance
  • Acoustic Properties
  • Acoustics
  • Computations
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Bands
  • Impedance
  • Mathematical Analysis
  • Measurement
  • Models
  • Physical Properties
  • Reflection
  • Refraction
  • Seabed
  • Seismic Reflection
  • Thickness
  • Travel Time

Readers

  • Acoustical Oceanography.
  • Geotechnical Engineering.
  • Theoretical Analysis.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy