Predicting the Impact of Seabed Uncertainty and Variability on Propagation Uncertainty
Abstract
LONG TERM GOALS. Develop capability for quantifying, predicting and exploiting (QPE) the impact of seabed uncertainty on sonar system performance. OBJECTIVES. The objective is to develop both measurement and inversion techniques in order to build a 2D geoacoustic uncertainty model (2D-GeUM) over an operationally significant area. APPROACH. In order to predict the impact of seabed geoacoustic uncertainties and variability on propagation uncertainty along a radial of interest, a 2D geoacoustic uncertainty model (2D-GeUM) is required. Such a model quantifies depth- and range-dependent geoacoustic properties and their uncertainties over the area of interest. For the QPE experiment, the ~50 km x 50 km area of interest was off northeast Taiwan, including part of the Chilung shelf, the East China Sea shelf and upper slope. The original approach included a combination of direct-path wide-angle seabed reflection measurements and geologic modeling as the basis for generating the 2D-GeUM. The wide-angle reflection data were to be collected at multiple sites in the QPE experiment area northeast of Taiwan in FY09. However, severe weather, equipment problems, and limitations of the research vessel prevented the data from being acquired. In lieu of this, the approach was to 1) advance theoretical understanding of the impact of seabed variability on propagation uncertainty (see [1]); 2) develop geoacoustic uncertainty methodologies using simulated and experimental data, (see [2-5]) and 3) apply the theory to the experimental geoacoustic uncertainties to examine propagation uncertainty.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA571376
Entities
People
- W. Charles (Wilbur) Holland, Jr.
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University