A Radiative Transfer Model for Acoustic Propagation in Ocean Sediment Layers

Abstract

The propagation of mid-frequency (1-10 kHz) acoustic waves in shallow water regions (depths of 100-200 m) is strongly influenced by the characteristics of the ocean bottom. While there has been much progress in developing and validating bottom scattering models, much of the focus has been in the high frequency regime with comparatively less focus in the mid-frequency. This is an important topic, since in the mid-frequency regime the acoustic field can penetrate the rough interface into the sediment and undergo multiple scattering from sediment stratification and volume inhomogeneities. In this work, the long-term goal is to develop an understanding of the spatial and temporal characteristics of the acoustic field through a rigorous modeling and measurement effort. In addition, the feasibility of using tools such as chirp sonar for bottom characterization will be considered and assessed.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 30, 2009
Accession Number
ADA531885

Entities

People

  • Lisa Zurk

Organizations

  • Portland State University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Fields
  • Acoustic Propagation
  • Acoustic Properties
  • Acoustic Waves
  • Acoustics
  • Chirp Sonar
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Bands
  • Layers
  • Measurement
  • Radiative Transfer
  • Scattering
  • Seabed
  • Sediments
  • Shallow Water
  • Sonar
  • Waves

Readers

  • Acoustical Oceanography.