On the Use of Acoustic Impedance Values to Determine Sediment Properties
Abstract
Numerous systems have been developed over the past 25 years for remote classification of sediments. The generation of acoustic impedance as a function of depth is the principle behind operation of most normal-incidence acoustic classification systems. A typical high-resolution seismic system (15- KHz) used to classify sediments is described by Lambert et al. (1) Profiles of sediment impedance are determined from echo return amplitude and pulse character using acoustic multilayer theory. Physical and/or empirical models are then used to convert these in-situ estimates of sediment impedance to sediment type or values of sediment physical (porosity, grain size, bulk density, permeability), geoacoustic (compressional and shear wave velocity or attenuation, acoustic reflectivity) or engineering (shear strength) properties. In this paper we assume a priori that acoustic sediment classification techniques give accurate estimates of in-situ sediment impedance. We will instead examine the empirical and physical models that are used to estimate sediment type or values of sediment properties from the in-situ sediment impedance. Geoacoustics properties, Shear waves, Sediment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA271139
Entities
People
- Kevin B. Briggs
- M. D. Richardson
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory