Seabed Variability and its Influence on Acoustic Prediction Uncertainty
Abstract
LONG-TERM GOALS. A basic tenet of the Office of Naval Research's Uncertainty in the Natural Environment Defense Research Initiative (Uncertainty DRI) is that, in any strategic situation, environmental parameters will never be known in complete enough detail to enable a perfectly accurate acoustic detection. Our group has been funded address acoustic uncertainty associated with bottom and subbottom variability. In particular, we will (1) assess and characterize the seafloor variability, and (2) determine the impact of seafloor variability on acoustic prediction uncertainty. OBJECTIVES. The primary scientific objective of my work for this project is to formulate a statistical model for bathymetric and geoacoustic variability for the seabed, and to generate from that model realizations that can be incorporated into acoustic modeling efforts. WORK COMPLETED Directly measured seafloor properties (grain size, in situ velocity and attenuation) in the Geoclutter natural laboratory have been compared against collocated remotely sensed data (backscatter and seafloor reflection coefficients) data to investigate the possible use of remotely sensed data as a proxy for measuring spatial variability in sedimentary properties. Statistical characterizations have been produced for bathymetry, velocity and grain size properties. Random realizations have been generated for bathymetry and velocity for use in acoustic modeling work by collaborators in the seabed variability group (Kevin LePage and Bob Odom).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA628227
Entities
People
- John A. Goff
Organizations
- University of Texas at Austin