Modeling techniques for marine-mammal risk assessment

Propagation modeling in the ocean may be said to be a fairly mature subject, with a number of reliable and efficient acoustic models freely distributed. However, acoustic modeling to predict effects of sound on marine mammals presents some particular challenges. Standard sonar models predict the mean power levels for static receivers. However, marine-mammal researchers have shown a strong interest in being able to predict the actual time series that a moving mammal would experience as it swims through an ensonified ocean. The time series can then be used to directly model auditory models of the mammalian ear. To do this properly requires attention to subtle Doppler effects. The authors present a Gaussian-beam-tracing method that handles all these issues. Another key element needed for such models is the ability to rapidly predict three-dimensional (3-D) acoustic fields for lots of source/receiver combinations. This problem arises in trying to choose optimal locations for navy exercises, considering also a variety of hypothesized mammal-migration patterns. The authors discuss a precomputation approach to solve this problem. Finally, they examine a technique to reduce the computation needed for the one-third octave transmission loss (TL) averages. The one-third octave average is often used as a metric for the assessment of risk to mammals. The brute-force solution to this problem requires propagation modeling at many frequencies in the band. Here, the authors develop a general relationship to replace those frequency averages with much more easily computed range averages. The novelty of this approach relative to the previous range-averaging techniques is that it extends those methods to the range-dependent conditions.     

Acoustic Ducting, Reflection, Refraction, and Dispersion by Curved Nonlinear Internal Waves in Shallow Water

Nonlinear internal waves in shallow water have been shown to be effective ducts of acoustic energy, through theory, numerical modeling, and experiment. To date, most work on such ducting has concentrated on rectilinear internal wave ducts or those with very slight curvature. In this paper, we examine the acoustic effects of significant curvature of these internal waves. (By significant curvature, we mean lateral deviation of the internal wave duct by more than half the spacing between internal waves over an acoustic path, giving a transition from ducting to antiducting.) We develop basic analytical models of these effects, employ fully 3-D numerical models of sound propagation and scattering, and examine simultaneous acoustical and oceanographic data from the 2006 Shallow Water Experiment (SW06). It will be seen that the effects of curvature should be evident in the mode amplitudes and arrival angles, and that observations are consistent with curvature, though with some possible ambiguity with other scattering mechanisms.      

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。     

基于声相关计程仪(ACL)的海底散射模型研究

为了进行声相关计程仪(ACL)仿真研究,结合K irchhoff近似和R ay le igh-R ice近似散射模型,根据ACL垂直发射波束的特点,在掠射角90°附近,利用已发表的海底散射实验数据与APL-UW散射模型及L am bert公式的理论计算结果相比较,基于K irchhoff近似的散射模型与实验数据具有很好的一致性,仿真结果证明,由于不同类型海底沉积物引起的体积散射在上述情况下是可以被忽略的,这将大大简化进行声相关测速仿真研究的海底建模过程。     

Physical modeling of long-range infrasonic propagation in the atmosphere

The results of experiments on the physical modeling of long-range infrasonic propagation in the atmosphere are given. Such modeling is based on the possible coincidence between the forms of the vertical profiles of the effective sound speed stratification in the atmospheric boundary layer (between 0 and 600 m for the case under consideration) and in the atmosphere as a whole (from the land surface up to thermospheric heights (about 150 km)). The source of acoustic pulses was an oscillator of detonation type. Owing to the detonation of a gas mixture of air (or oxygen) and propane, this generator was capable of producing short, powerful (the maximum acoustic pressure was on the order of 30 to 60 Pa at a distance of 50 to 100 m from the oscillator), and sufficiently stable acoustic pulses with a spectral maximum at frequencies of 40 to 60 Hz and a pulsing period of 20 to 30 s. The sites of acoustic-signal recording were located at different distances (up to 6.5 km) from the source and in different azimuthal directions. The temperature and wind stratifications were monitored in real time during the experiments with an acoustic locator—a sodar—and a temperature profiler. The data on the physical modeling of long-range sound propagation in the atmosphere are analyzed to verify the physical and mathematical models of predicting acoustic fields in the inhomogeneous moving atmosphere on the basis of the parabolic equation and the method of normal waves. A satisfactory agreement between calculated and experimental data is obtained. One more task was to compare the theoretical relations between variations in the azimuths and angles of tilting of sound rays about the horizon and the parameters of anisotropic turbulence in the lower troposphere and stratosphere with the experimental data. A theoretical interpretation of the experimental results is proposed on the basis of the theory of anisotropic turbulence in the atmosphere. The theoretical and experimental results are compared, and a satisfactory agreement between these results is noted.     

Modal analysis of geoacoustic influences on shallow-waterpropagation

Features observed in horizontal wavenumber spectra from low-frequency acoustic measurements taken off the New Jersey Shelf are analyzed through forward modeling using PE models. Environmental models which produce very good agreement with relative intensity data may only match wavenumbers of lower order modes. A prominent feature in contours of modal amplitude versus horizontal wavenumber and depth is the presence of double images of some higher order modes. Two possible causes of this phenomenon are examined. Range dependence in the environment can produce multiple modal images, but the magnitudes of variations required are much larger than those expected at the experiment site. The more likely cause of the double modes is shown to be a duct deep (two acoustic wavelengths) within the sediment. It produces modes with wavenumbers that are close together and with shapes that are very similar in the water column. Comparisons of model predictions with 50-Hz experimental wavenumbers and mode shapes show good agreement, except for amplitudes of some higher order modes. Predictions at 75 Hz typically require more detailed information about the sediment structure in order to accurately match all the features of higher order modes in the data     

Seismo-acoustic field statistics in shallow water

The spatial statistics of the acoustic field in shallow water are strongly affected by interfacial roughness and volume fluctuations in the water column or the seabed. These features scatter energy, reducing the coherence of the acoustic field. This paper introduces a consistent, mode-based modeling framework for ocean scattering. First, the rough surface scattering theory of Kuperman and Schmidt is reformulated in terms of normal modes, resulting in computation times which are reduced by several orders of magnitude. Next, a perturbation theory describing scattering from sound speed and density fluctuations in acoustic media is developed. The scattering theories are combined with KRAKEN, creating a unified normal mode code for wave theory modeling of shallow-water spatial statistics. The scattered field statistics are found to be a complicated function of scattering mechanism, scatterer statistics, and acoustic environment. Bottom properties, including elasticity, strongly influence the scattered field     

The design of low frequency underwater acoustic projectors: presentstatus and future trends

The difficulties that dominate low-frequency projector design problems in sonar and oceanographic applications are discussed. These are related to the size of the projector, the low radiation resistance, the acoustic interaction effects in arrays, and the requirements due to deep submergence. Low-frequency projectors are described and compared, and future trends associated with transducer shapes and dimensions and with the type of active materials used for the driving part are analyzed. The different modeling approaches are discussed, and an insight into the respective advantages and disadvantages of classical equivalent circuit models and numerical models-mainly those using the finite-element method-is provided. Several modeling examples are briefly introduced     

Benchmarks for validating range-dependent seismo-acousticpropagation codes

The availability of fast and relatively low-cost computing power has resulted in radical changes to the role of seismo-acoustic modeling. With the increase in the number of models available, there is the inevitable question of how can one go about validating all these numerical schemes. Recently, the issue of establishing reference solutions for range dependent ocean acoustic problems was addressed within the Acoustical Society of America. This has resulted in a set of well-defined benchmarks for range-dependent fluid problems. However, to date, there is no consistent set of benchmarks for the range-dependent seismo-acoustic codes. In this paper, we present a collection of problems intended for general use by the modeling community for validation of new computational schemes. A number of new seismo-acoustic codes are applied to produce reference solutions for these benchmarks     

基于卫星的水下载体实时水声定位模型

为适应水下载体高精度实时导航定位的需求,提出了基于卫星导航定位的浮标水声定位系统定位模式,主要讨论了长基线固定浮标定位系统和超短基线单体智能浮标系统的工作原理和点位计算模型,分析了水声定位系统定位的准确度和误差源,对促进全球海域实现全天候高精度完全水下自主定位具有一定的指导意义。     

Broad-band geoacoustic inversion in shallow water from waveguideimpulse response measurements on a single hydrophone: theory andexperimental results

The paper discusses an inversion method that allows the rapid determination of in situ geoacoustic properties of the ocean bottom without resorting to large acoustic receiving apertures, synthetic or real. The method is based on broad-band waterborne measurements and modeling of the waveguide impulse response between a controlled source and a single hydrophone. Results from Yellow Shark '94 experiments in Mediterranean shallow waters using single elements of a vertical array are reviewed, inversion of the bottom parameters is performed with an objective function that includes the processing gain of a model-based matched filter (MBMF) receiver relative to the conventional matched filter. The MBMF reference signals incorporate waveguide Green's functions for known geometry and water column acoustic model and hypothesized bottom geoacoustic models. The experimental inversion results demonstrated that, even for complex environmental conditions, a single transmission of a broad-band (200-800 Hz) coded signal received at a single depth and a few hundred forward modeling runs were sufficient to correctly resolve the bottom features. These included the sound speed profile, attenuation, density, and thickness of the top clay sediment layer, and sound speed and attenuation of the silty clay bottom. Exhaustive parameter search proved unequivocally the low-ambiguity and high-resolution properties of the MBMF-derived objective. The single-hydrophone results compare well with those obtained under identical conditions from matched-field processing of multitone pressure fields sampled on the vertical array. Both of these results agree with expectations from geophysical ground truth. The MBMF has been applied successfully to a field of advanced drifting acoustic buoys on the Western Sicilian shelf, demonstrating the general applicability of the inversion method presented     

Forward Scattering From a Rippled Sand/Water Interface: Modeling, Measurements, and Determination of the Plane Wave, Flat Surface Reflection Coefficient

In this paper, modeling results are presented demonstrating that, using an ensemble of forward-scattering measurements from a rippled sand/water interface, it is possible to accurately estimate the plane wave, flat surface reflection coefficient. The modeling effort was carried out in preparation for a sediment acoustics experiment in 2004 (SAX04). Guided by the modeling results, forward-scattering measurements were made during SAX04. The measurement instrumentation and procedure are presented. The plane wave reflection coefficients derived from these measurements are given and compared to reflection coefficients calculated using a fluid model and an approximation to the Biot porous medium model for the sand known as the effective density fluid model (EDFM). The model reflection coefficients were calculated using acoustic parameters determined from environmental measurements carried out by other researchers involved in SAX04. The reflection coefficient data/model comparison indicates that the sand at the SAX04 site is most accurately viewed as a porous medium for acoustic modeling purposes.      

声学应答释放器电路部分可靠性分析

声学应答释放器是一种对可靠性要求很高的海洋环境监测设备,文中对国家海洋技术中心研制的声学应答释放器进行了可靠性分析。首先介绍了声学应答释放器的电路构成及功能;然后依据可靠性建模相关理论完成电路部分可靠性模型建立,依据可靠性模型,预计了设备的固有可靠度;最后有针对性地提出改进措施,用于指导声学应答释放器设计,为释放器技术研究提供计算模型与可借鉴的经验。     

海底沉积物物理参数的声学反演模式

声学反演方程是声学探测沉积物物理参数的基础方程。基于声学理论和统计理论的声速反演沉积物物理参数的两种模式,运用南海海底沉积物声学物理数据验证、比较了两种反演模式,以反演孔隙度、含水量为例,得出基于双参数经验方程反演模式的适用性较强,但精度有待于提高;基于声速理论的反演模式反演南海海底沉积物物理参数有待于进一步完善。     

Marsh-Schulkin与Rogers模型比对分析

基于实测传播损失数据对比分析Marsh-Schulkin和Rogers经验传播损失模型。通过讨论东海声学调查具体的海洋环境,较详细地标定了两模型对应的声学参数,并融入模型,结合实测数据进行对比验证,得出关于两模型在东海适应性的如下结论:两模型预报结果与实测数据吻合较好,且两者预报曲线大致相同;其中MarshSchulkin模型预报曲线斜率略大于Rogers模型,预报差异随距离增大有所增加;各频率预报曲线存在交点,交点左侧Rogers模型更接近实测数据,右侧Marsh-Schulkin更为准确。     

浅海沉积层声学特性对声传播损失的影响仿真研究

为厘清海底沉积层声学特性信息的水声环境保障需求,构建浅海两层海底环境参数模型,并参考Hamilton海底底质9种分类设置沉积层声速、密度、衰减系数及厚度的参考值及计算采样区间,利用Kraken简振波模型,采用控制变量的方法,研究了浅海沉积层声学特性参数对声传播损失的影响;开展了建模理论推导及数值技术分析,研究了海底沉积层声学特性参数在模型计算过程中调用过程,并从建模计算的角度对仿真计算的结果进行解释,对海底沉积层声学特性调查装备发展及调查重点参数具有一定的参考价值。     

Rock physics-based seismic trace analysis of unconsolidated sediments containing gas hydrate and free gas in Green Canyon 955, Northern Gulf of Mexico

The gas hydrate petroleum system at the 2009 Gulf of Mexico Gas Hydrate Joint Industry Project Leg II (JIP Leg II) Green Canyon 955 (GC955) site shows a complex seismic amplitude and waveform response of highly negative and positive amplitudes with continuous and discontinuous character within inferred gas-hydrate- and gas-bearing sand reservoirs. Logging-while-drilling (LWD) data obtained during JIP Leg II and conventional 3-D seismic data allowed for the identification of thick highly concentrated hydrate layers by integrating rock physics modeling, amplitude and thin layer analysis, and spectral decomposition. Rock physics modeling with constraints from three JIP LWD holes allowed for the analysis of variations in acoustic amplitude characteristics as a product of hydrate saturation, gas saturation, and reservoir thickness. Using the well log-derived acoustic models, thick highly concentrated gas hydrate with and without underlying free gas accumulations have been identified. These results suggest that thick highly concentrated gas-hydrate-bearing sand units (with thicknesses greater than half of the seismic tuning thickness and gas hydrate saturations greater than 50%) underlain by gas can be differentiated from sands containing only gas, but thin gas-hydrate-bearing sand units with low gas hydrate concentrations (with thicknesses less than half of the seismic tuning thickness and gas hydrate saturations less than 50%) are difficult to identify from post-stack seismic amplitude data alone. Within GC955, we have identified six zones with seismic amplitude anomalies interpreted as being caused by gas hydrate deposits with variable lateral extent, thickness and saturation, and in some cases overlying free-gas-bearing intervals. Synthetic seismic images produced from well-log- and model-derived velocity and density distributions mimic similar reflection characteristics in the corresponding field seismic data.     

内波对多波束测深影响仿真研究

为了研究内波对多波束测深的影响,通过对内波建模,分别对四个区间的声线跟踪情况进行了研究分析。在此基础上,推导了针对曲线型梯度结构的声线跟踪模型,并根据该模型进行了仿真分析。仿真简单模拟了采用常梯度声线跟踪模型对曲线型梯度结构声速剖面进行声速改正的声线跟踪过程。采用仿真数据绘制了声线跟踪前后的声线示意图,并对归算前后的波束脚印位置进行了比较分析。仿真结果说明内波会给多波束的边缘波束带来大量尖峰状的浅点,而这些浅点难以用传统的声速改正模型消除。推导的针对曲线型梯度结构的声线跟踪模型可为内波的进一步研究提供理论依据,最后对未来的研究进行了展望。     

Consideration of fine-scale coastal oceanography and 3-D acoustics effects for the ESME sound exposure model

Results and recommendations for evaluating the effects of fine-scale oceanographic scattering and three-dimensional (3-D) acoustic propagation variability on the Effects of Sound on the Marine Environment (ESME) acoustic exposure model are presented. Pertinent acoustic scattering theory is briefly reviewed and ocean sound-speed fluctuation models are discussed. Particular attention is given to the nonlinear and linear components of the ocean internal wave field as a source of sound-speed inhomogeneities. Sound scattering through the mainly isotropic linear internal wave field is presented and new results relating to acoustic scattering by the nonlinear internal wave field in both along and across internal wave wavefront orientations are examined. In many cases, there are noteworthy fine-scale induced intensity biases and fluctuations of order 5-20 dB.     

Problems associated with seismic facies analysis of diamicton-dominated,shelf glacigenic sequences

Diamicton-dominated shelf glacigenic sequences are characterized on high-resolution seismic records by a structureless to chaotic acoustic texture, often with abundant hyperbolic (point-source) reflections. Existing depositional models, based primarily on seismic data, have been constructed on the basis that this acoustic signature is indicative of subglacial till. However, borehole data from the UK continental shelf indicate that glaciomarine facies are also present. Thus, while this acoustic character may be indicative of diamicton lithofacies, it should not be taken as a predictive genetic indicator of a specific depositional process.