High-Frequency Acoustic Backscattering from a Coarse Shell Ocean Bottom
Abstract
Acoustic bottom backscattering measurements were taken in a coarse shelly area 27 miles east of Jacksonville, Fl. Data from sidescan sonar, underwater television, stereo photography, high-resolution bathymetry, and sediment core analysis were used to locate and classify the experimental area. Bottom backscattering measurements were made as a function of frequency (20-180 kHz), grazing angle (5-30 deg), and azimuthal angle. Backscattering strengths were found to follow Lambert's law, had a slight negative frequency dependence, and were consistent with measurements taken in other shelly areas. There was no azimuthal dependence of the scattered signals over the range of grazing angles and frequencies used. Bottom roughness had a Gaussian distribution and the ping- to-ping scattered signal envelope distributions were non-Rayleigh. Comparison scattering strengths from several shelly areas showed little correlation with measured rms roughness. Scattering strength predictions made using a composite roughness model developed by Jackson et al. were compared to scattering strength measurements taken at 20, 40, and 60 kHz. Reprints.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA210846
Entities
People
- Kevin B. Briggs
- P. Fleicsher
- R. I. Ray
- Steve Stanic
- W. B. Sawyer
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory