Ocean acoustic field matching: normal mode filtering andnon-Gaussian sources

Two qualitative results concerning statistical sonar signal processing and acoustic field matching are obtained. First, normal-mode field predictions are integrated with statistical signature analysis by constructing a boundary-value problem in the acoustic waveguide. From this construction it is found that the normal-mode filter is the unique acoustic preprocessor which does not confound deterministic waveguide correlation structure with stochastic source covariance structure. Second, the origin of deterministic, Gaussian, and non-Gaussian source signatures is investigated by associating physical parameters with the classical Lindeberg central limit conditions. From construction it is found that there are important objects that are not adequately represented either by infinitesimal points or by infinite surfaces. If receiver resolution is inadequate to resolve source complexity, these objects will exhibit a non-Gaussian acoustic signature via an entirely linear progression from internal excitation, to source radiation, through waveguide propagation, and finally to reception     

Marine seismics with a pulsed combustion source and Pseudo Noise codes

There has been a long-standing debate concerning how dangerous seismic surveys are with respect to marine life. Marine seismic work today is dominated by airgun technology, where high energy is generated by a release of compressed air into the water. The objective of the “Time coded impulse seismic technique” project is to examine whether a new low energy acoustic source can be used for seismic purposes. If the method turns out to be successful, the low output energy and continuous operation will make the source suitable in environmental sensitive areas. The Low level Acoustic Combustion Source (LACS) is a petrol driven pulsed underwater acoustic source. It operates at a few meters depth, and each shot can be digitally controlled from the surface by a computer located in the mother vessel. A presentation of the recorded LACS signal characteristics, the modulation, the Pseudo Noise coding/decoding principles and field test results, is given. The importance of using an optimized code with fine resolution and of using the near field recording as a correlator sequence is demonstrated. Clear correlation peaks could then be seen from the bottom and sub bottom reflectors.     

Acoustic inversion of bottom reflectivity and bottom sound-speedprofile

This paper applies a full-field technique to invert bottom sound profile and bottom reflectivity from simulated acoustic data in a shallow water environment. Bottom sound-speed profile and bottom reflectivity have been traditionally estimated using seismic reflection/refraction techniques when acoustic ray paths and travel time can be identified and measured from the data. However, in shallow water, the many multipaths due to bottom reflection/refraction make such identification and measurement rather difficult. A full-field inversion technique is presented here that uses a broad-band source and a vertical array for bottom sound-speed and reflectivity inversion. The technique is a modified matched field inversion technique referred to as matched beam processing. Matched beam processing uses conventional beamforming processing to transform the field data into the beam domain and correlate that with the replica field also in the beam domain. This allows the analysis to track the acoustic field as a function of incident/reflected angle and minimize contamination or mismatch due to sidelobe leakage     

High-resolution Surveys for Geohazards and Shallow Gas: NW Adriatic (Italy) and Iskenderun Bay (Turkey)

The need for quantifying and understanding the distribution of shallow gas is both of academic interest and of relevance to offshore facilities. The combination of seafloor mapping, subbottom profiling, and multi-channel seismic data can provide information on regions of possible shallow gas, where the gas impacts the acoustic properties of the host material and the seafloor. In this paper, we present two case studies – one academic and one industry – that evaluate the distribution of shallow gas in two field areas in the Mediterranean. In the first case study, geophysical data from Iskenderun Bay, southeastern Turkey, indicate the presence and distribution of shallow gas. Pockmarks on the seafloor are associated with acoustic wipeout in the shallow subbottom data. Although deeper seismic data do not show bright spots or other indicators of possible gas, instantaneous frequency analysis clearly shows laterally restricted anomalies indicating gas-rich zones. The interpretation of possible shallow gas resulted in moving a proposed drilling location to a nearby area characterized by fewer (but still present) shallow gas signatures. In the second case study, cores acquired in the Po Delta, Adriatic Sea, provide quantitative ground-truthing of shallow gas – as suggested by geophysical data – and provide minimum estimates of the percentage of gas in the subsurface. Cores targeted on anomalous subbottom data yielded up to 41,000 ppm methane; cores with anomalous gas content are associated with thick recent flood deposits which may effectively isolate reactive terrigenous organic matter from biologic and physical re-working.     

海洋地震资料相位控制处理——东海研究实例

为了满足定量解释的需要,地震资料处理必须是高分辨率、振幅保持和相位控制的.面向海洋地震资料的相位控制处理技术包括利用远场信号进行确定性零相位化、Q补偿、预测反褶积及剩余相位校正等.利用模拟远场信号求取确定性去气泡及零相位化算子.此文基于相位控制处理,讨论了海洋地震资料的相位和极性判别方法,探讨了大于24 ms算子长度的预测反褶积对于保持信号形状的必要性,介绍了东海三维地震资料相位控制流程.     

Calculation of the shape of a towed underwater acoustic array

An important area of towed underwater acoustic research is the determination of the 3D positions of all hydrophones in the array. Although there are a number of methods available that provide position information at a small number of locations along the array, an interpolation scheme is needed that will permit the estimation of the position of all hydrophones so that further processing of acoustic data may proceed. An interpolation technique based on a twisted quartic spline approximation to a space curve is presented. This technique provides the advantages of numerical stability, necessary smoothness, and satisfaction of physical boundary conditions. Most importantly, it permits the estimation of the positions of all hydrophones in an array     

低序级断层成像技术在c13地区的应用

低序级断层在地震剖面上,通常表现为具有微小错动,同相轴扭曲,或者振幅变弱,延伸短、断距小、识别难,描述难等特征。在对采集处理过程中影响低序级断层识别的观测系统面元网格、信噪比、频率、速度误差等因素详细分析的基础上,通过建立全波场正演地质模型,借助方查体属性技术以及井资料,研究了针对性的处理技术。同时利用相干体属性、曲率属性沿层切片、方差体等技术进行有效识别低级序断层,取得了较好的效果。     

Wave theory modelling: a convenient approach to CW and pulsepropagation modelling in low-frequency acoustics

The most commonly used continuous-wave (CW) propagation models are presented and their areas of applicability indicated. Furthermore, it is shown how these numerical codes can be extended to provide pulse results by Fourier synthesis of CW solutions. The ability of the acoustic models to describe sound propagation accurately in complicated ocean environments is demonstrated through a sequence model/date comparisons involving both CW and pulse-propagation results. It is also shown that the full complexity of real ocean environments must be considered in the numerical models to accurately predict the propagation conditions for a broad range of source frequencies. In conclusion, it is noted that the biggest difficulty today in sonar performance prediction modelling is not associated with the modelling tools themselves, but rather with the lack of environmental information to be used as input to the models     

An environmental assessment in the Strait of Sicily: measurementand analysis techniques for determining bottom and oceanographicproperties

In October 1997, the EnVerse 97 shallow-water acoustic experiments were jointly conducted by SACLANT Centre, TNO-FEL, and DERA off the coast of Sicily, Italy. The primary goal of the experiments was to determine the sea-bed properties through inversion of acoustic data. Using a towed source, the inversion method is tested at different source/receiver separations in an area with a range-dependent bottom. The sources transmitted over a broadband of frequencies (90-600 Hz) and the signals were measured on a vertical array of hydrophones. The acoustic data were continuously collected as the range between the source and receiving array varied from 0.5 to 6 km. An extensive seismic survey was conducted along the track providing supporting information about the layered structure of the bottom as well as layer compressional sound speeds. The oceanic conditions were assessed using current meters, satellite remote sensing, wave height measurements, and casts for determining conductivity and temperature as a function of water depth. Geoacoustic inversion results taken at different source/receiver ranges show sea-bed properties consistent with the range-dependent features observed in the seismic survey data. These results indicate that shallow-water bottom properties may be estimated over large areas using a towed source fixed receiver configuration     

基于多源信息融合的浅海超低频声源目标探测关键技术及实现

以多传感器信息融合理论为指导,结合现代信息处理技术与数据驱动建模及科学计算技术,研究浅海超低频声源目标激发共存地震波的复合声场中超低频声波传播特性和数据驱动建模的水下目标深度识别等关键技术,并论证了技术实现方案及路径。结果表明:以复合矢量水听器、地震波监测仪等多传感器信息融合理论为指导研究前海超低频声源目标可以克服传统声场建模存在的问题,有助于浅海超低频声源目标探测及改善海洋水下声学监测手段。在提高声呐探测设备的测量准确度、精度方面具有重要的理论意义,对周边海域为浅海的我国海防具有实战价值。     

3D hydrocarbon migration by percolation technique in an alternate sand–shale environment described by a seismic facies classified volume

Modelling hydrocarbon migration in complex depositional environments is a difficult task. This paper illustrates a workflow that has been developed in order to make use of information at seismic resolution for migration modelling purposes. After a regional identification of the main seismic sequence boundaries and systems tracts, the first step of the workflow consists in a semi-automatic classification of the sand and shale prone seismic facies that are interpretable in the seismic volume. A software based on supervised neural network techniques and textural seismic attributes supports volumetric classification. Each class represents a different facies with specific petrophysical properties (threshold pressure, porosity, irreducible water saturation, etc.), assigned according to concurrent sedimentological studies; the result is a 3D lithofacies model. Petroleum system modelling is performed on a 3D regional model up to the calculation of hydrocarbon quantities expelled from the source rock. Then migration modelling is performed on the smaller area covered by the 3D lithofacies model. Invasion percolation approach has been chosen because it allows to perform migration modelling at a scale that is small enough to maintain a sufficient detail of the channels' shape and of their connections. A probabilistic approach allows to estimate charge risk in new prospects and to check modelling consistency. This workflow has been applied in a deep water setting in West Africa, characterized by an interconnected channel system, where a number of prospects had to be evaluated. A well was drilled in the area prior to this study, resulting dry in spite of being located in a position where the source rock is present and is deemed to have expelled interesting amounts of hydrocarbons. This study has shown that hydrocarbons expelled from the source appear to be deviated laterally by the presence of a local seal and therefore do not reach the channel system in the well location.     

基于水声环境空间中多模态深度融合模型的目标识别方法研究

随着对水下目标特性研究的深入和声学探测技术的发展,基于单模态的阵列式信息融合或基于空间信息的分布式信息融合的水下目标识别方法研究已有一定成果,但针对复杂海况导致单一物理场或单一融合层次的系统识别性能提高有限等方面影响的水下目标识别方法研究还有所不足,因此,开展基于多模态深度融合模型的水下目标识别方法研究可利用模态互补,共享信息而提升识别率。文中在国内外研究基础上,深入研究了基于到达时差法和多模态方法组合的检测方法,初步形成了基于水声环境空间中多模态深度融合模型的识别框架,开展了海洋中典型自然与人为事件的信号分析与特征提取,并在此基础上,设计新型基于海底基站的被动识别系统。该系统同步记录和由位置等组成的时间序列标记声、磁和压数据,可实现高精度、高分辨率的识别。本研究可满足未来海洋观测对高性能水下目标探测、定位和跟踪系统的迫切需要,为海洋安全监管、海洋突发事件应急响应等领域提供新的技术手段和科学参考。     

Chirp sub-bottom profiler source signature design and field testing

Chirp sub-bottom profilers are marine sonar systems which use a highly repeatable source signature to facilitate the acquisition of correlated data with decimetre vertical resolution in the top 20–30 m of sediments. Source signatures can be readily developed and implemented, but an applicable methodology for assessing resolution and attenuation characteristics of these wide-band systems did not exist. Methodologies are developed and applied to seven contrasting source signatures which occupy the same frequency band, but differ in their Envelope and Instantaneous Frequency functions. For the Chirp source signatures tested, a Sine-Squared envelope function is shown to produce seismic data with the optimum resolution and penetration characteristics.     

胶州湾流速场的声层析反演研究

采用结合匹配法和经验正交函数法的射线声层析反演方法,针对流场水平分布不均匀特点,使用距离等效分段方法对反演算法进行改进,利用三个断面声层析数据,对胶州湾口潮流场的垂直和水平分布进行反演。与传统方法比较,大大降低与实测流速垂直分布间的偏差,平均偏差小于0.02 m/s,流场垂直分布间的相关系数提高到0.85以上。分析了声传播断面上不同的流场结构,以及涨潮期间在胶州湾团岛附近出现的涡流现象,并计算得到湾口海水流量变化。结果表明,改进的射线声层析反演方法可有效地用于水平分布不均匀流场监测,仅采用少量声学观测站位,即可获得大范围的复杂流场三维信息,有利于近海海洋资源开发、海洋环境保护和船舶航行安全。     

A circular passive synthetic array: an inverse problem approach

Based on the general concept of the inverse acoustic radiation problem, the temporal scanning of a stationary acoustic field along a closed contour is used to simplify the measurement approach for obtaining information on source directionality. The mathematical formulation is derived from a model of the two-dimensional acoustic field. The formulation of the inverse problem is also investigated to establish a methodology for improving the angular resolution of the array processing. The fundamental relationship between the sound sources and the circular passive synthetic array is explored, utilizing existing mathematical methods, in order to develop the processing algorithm. Other subjects of practical interest, such as directional ambiguity, effect of Doppler frequency, interference noise, and processing gain are discussed. It is concluded that the results can be used to establish guidelines for engineering design and deployment of this type of synthetic array, and to further exploit the new array signal processing technique     

Assessment of Offshore New Jersey Sources of Beach Replenishment Sand by Diversified Application of Geologic and Geophysical Methods

Beach replenishment serves the dual purpose of maintaining a source of tourism and recreation while protecting life and property. For New Jersey, sources for beach sand supply are increasingly found offshore. To meet present and future needs, geologic and geophysical techniques can be used to improve the identification, volume estimation, and determination of suitability, thereby making the mining and manag ing of this resource more effective. Current research has improved both data collection and interpretation of seismic surveys and vibracore analysis for projects investigating sand ridges offshore of New Jersey. The New Jersey Geological Survey in cooperation with Rutgers University is evaluating the capabilities of digital seismic data (in addition to analog data) to analyze sand ridges. The printing density of analog systems limits the dynamic range to about 24 dB. Digital acquisition systems with dynamic ranges above 100 dB can permit enhanced seismic profiles by trace static correction, deconvolution, automatic gain scaling, horizontal stacking and digital filtering. Problems common to analog data, such as wave-motion effects of surface sources, water-bottom reverberation, and bubble-pulse-width can be addressed by processing. More than 160 line miles of digital high-resolution continuous profiling seismic data have been collected at sand ridges off Avalon, Beach Haven, and Barnegat Inlet. Digital multichannel data collection has recently been employed to map sand resources within the Port of New York New Jersey expanded dredge-spoil site located 3 mi offshore of Sandy Hook, New Jersey. Multichannel data processing can reduce multiples, improve signal-to-noise calculations, enable source deconvolution, and generate sediment acoustic velocities and acoustic impedance analysis. Synthetic seismograms based on empirical relationships among grain size distribution, density, and velocity from vibracores are used to calculate proxy values for density and velocity. The seismograms are then correlated to the digital seismic profile to confirm reflected events. They are particularly useful where individual reflection events cannot be detected but a waveform generated by several thin lithologic units can be recognized. Progress in application of geologic and geophysical methods provides advan tages in detailed sediment analysis and volumetric estimation of offshore sand ridges. New techniques for current and ongoing beach replenishment projects not only expand our knowledge of the geologic processes involved in sand ridge origin and development, but also improve our assessment of these valuable resources. These reconnaissance studies provide extensive data to the engineer regarding the suitability and quantity of sand and can optimize placement and analysis of vibracore samples.     

Assessment of Offshore New Jersey Sources of Beach Replenishment Sand by Diversified Application of Geologic and Geophysical Methods

Beach replenishment serves the dual purpose of maintaining a source of tourism and recreation while protecting life and property. For New Jersey, sources for beach sand supply are increasingly found offshore. To meet present and future needs, geologic and geophysical techniques can be used to improve the identification, volume estimation, and determination of suitability, thereby making the mining and manag ing of this resource more effective. Current research has improved both data collection and interpretation of seismic surveys and vibracore analysis for projects investigating sand ridges offshore of New Jersey. The New Jersey Geological Survey in cooperation with Rutgers University is evaluating the capabilities of digital seismic data (in addition to analog data) to analyze sand ridges. The printing density of analog systems limits the dynamic range to about 24 dB. Digital acquisition systems with dynamic ranges above 100 dB can permit enhanced seismic profiles by trace static correction, deconvolution, automatic gain scaling, horizontal stacking and digital filtering. Problems common to analog data, such as wave-motion effects of surface sources, water-bottom reverberation, and bubble-pulse-width can be addressed by processing. More than 160 line miles of digital high-resolution continuous profiling seismic data have been collected at sand ridges off Avalon, Beach Haven, and Barnegat Inlet. Digital multichannel data collection has recently been employed to map sand resources within the Port of New York New Jersey expanded dredge-spoil site located 3 mi offshore of Sandy Hook, New Jersey. Multichannel data processing can reduce multiples, improve signal-to-noise calculations, enable source deconvolution, and generate sediment acoustic velocities and acoustic impedance analysis. Synthetic seismograms based on empirical relationships among grain size distribution, density, and velocity from vibracores are used to calculate proxy values for density and velocity. The seismograms are then correlated to the digital seismic profile to confirm reflected events. They are particularly useful where individual reflection events cannot be detected but a waveform generated by several thin lithologic units can be recognized. Progress in application of geologic and geophysical methods provides advan tages in detailed sediment analysis and volumetric estimation of offshore sand ridges. New techniques for current and ongoing beach replenishment projects not only expand our knowledge of the geologic processes involved in sand ridge origin and development, but also improve our assessment of these valuable resources. These reconnaissance studies provide extensive data to the engineer regarding the suitability and quantity of sand and can optimize placement and analysis of vibracore samples.     

Ocean acoustic tomography as a data assimilation problem

The ocean acoustic tomographic (OAT) approach to sound speed field estimation is generalized to include a variety of sources of information of interest such as an oceanographic model of the sound speed field, direct local sound speed measurements, and a full field acoustic propagation model as well as measurements. The inverse problem is presented as a four-dimensional field estimation problem using a variational approach commonly used in oceanographic data assimilation. The current OAT approach is shown to be a special case of the general framework. The matched-field tomography (MFT) approach is also discussed within this context. A simple implementation of this novel approach is then investigated in the absence of a suitable oceanographic model, and acoustic propagation is accounted for using a standard parabolic equation model. The inverse equations derived are validated numerically through a simple inversion example, and some issues on environmental mismatch and computations are discussed. The developments then provide a basic framework for ongoing data-model melding in acoustically focused oceanographic sampling (AFOS) network     

Single hydrophone source localization

The method presented in this paper assumes that the received signal is a linear combination of delayed and attenuated uncorrelated replicas of the source emitted waveform. The set of delays and attenuations, together with the channel environmental conditions, provide sufficient information for determining the source location. If the transmission channel is assumed known, the source location can be estimated by matching the data with the acoustic field predicted by the model conditioned on the estimated delay set. This paper presents alternative techniques that do not directly attempt to estimate time delays from the data but, instead, estimate the subspace spanned by the delayed source signal paths. Source Localization is then done using a family of measures of the distance between that subspace and the subspace spanned by the replicas provided by the model. Results obtained on the INTIMATE'96 data set, in a shallow-water acoustic channel off the coast of Portugal, show that a sound source emitting a 300-800-Hz LFM sweep could effectively be localized in range or depth over an entire day