Deep-Towed Geophysical Array System Development Program Review.
Abstract
A program has been initiated to develop a deep-towed system consisting of a low frequency sound source, hydrophone array, communication and data recording system, and data processing capability for measuring in the deep ocean (6000 m depth) the detailed spatial variability of the geological, geophysical, and geoacoustic parameters of the ocean floor and first 500 m of subbottom structure. This high resolution data set will allow computing definitive geoacoustic model input parameters for performance prediction of naval fleet systems with acoustic bottom interaction. The technology developments of this program will provide both the Navy and the marine science and technology communities with a new deep-ocean measurement capability. Performance studies show an order of magnitude improvement in geoacoustic parameter determination and spatial resolution for the deep-towed system over conventional surface-towed systems operating in deep water. System configuration trade-offs, optimized for compressional wave speed measurement precision, have been performed utilizing a statistical error approach. This approach provides quantitative error prediction for such varying system parameters as array length, offset (sound source to array distance), group spacing (hydrophone separation), and system tow altitude based on statistical variance of reflection energy arrival times.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA090801
Entities
People
- Darrell A. Milburn
- George J. Moss
- Martin G. Fagot
- Norman H. Gholson