Site Survey for an Ocean Engineering Project in Spencer Gulf, November 1993.
Abstract
Environmental surveys were made by DSTO at three sites in Spencer Gulf in South Australia in November 1993 to assess their suitability for an Underwater Radiated Noise Range for the Royal Australian Navy. Acoustic ranges are required to measure the noise radiated from ships and submarines. Salient factors for range design and performance include ambient noise, currents, internal waves, topography and nature of the seafloor, water properties, and wind and weather conditions. Measurements of these parameters indicate that the shallow waters of Spencer Gulf are particularly quiet compared with the open ocean around Australia. Swell is significantly less than in the ocean to the south where it originates, due to attenuation by passage through shallow water, and the sheltering effect of islands at the gulf mouth. Currents are predominantly tidal and thus predictable, with periods of up to 5 days at neaps with speeds less than 0.4 knot. The main disadvantage of the shallow waters is the continual noise background of snapping shrimp. Spencer Gulf appears to be suitable for the placement of a shallow water acoustic range. A Thistle Island site was marginally more suitable than a site near Wedge Island, and both were significantly better than a site near Corny Point.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA306812
Entities
People
- B. D. Scott
- Douglas H. Cato
- Ian S. Jones
- L. J. Hamilton
- Sandra Tavener
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group