Impacts of infaunal organisms and organic matter on acoustic wave propagation through near-surface sediments

Abstract

"The aim of the proposed work is to develop an understanding of how biological processes affectacoustics in shallow marine sediments. Specifically, the impacts of infaunal activities such astube building and burrowing on high frequency sound speed and attenuation will be quantified todetermine the effects of key species such as worms that build robust shell tubes that scatter soundas well as the impacts of burrowing and physical restructuring of sediments on bulk sedimentproperties. Additionally, the impacts of organic matter on geotechnical and acoustic properties ofsediments will be examined directly through laboratory manipulations of organic matter as wellas indirectly by characterizing the recovery of sediment acoustic and geotechnical propertiesfollowing a storm disturbance. This project, focused on the impacts of infauna on sedimentacoustics, integrates well with ongoing work on the impacts of infauna on geotechnical andacoustic properties of sediments to develop a broader understanding of the biological effects onthe physical structure of marine sediments."

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Mar 15, 2021
Source ID
N000142112214

Entities

People

  • Kelly M. Dorgan

Organizations

  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Aquatic Ecology
  • Coastal and Marine Engineering/Sediment Transport/Hydraulic Engineering
  • Research Science/Academic Research