The general objectives of this investigation were to determine and study those characteristics of the sea floor that affect sound propagation and the prediction of sonar performance; to support underwater acoustics' experiments and theory by furnishing information on the mass physical properties of sediments and rocks in the form of geoacoustic models of the sea floor; and to develop models of the sea floor which include gradients of sound velocity and attenuation, density, and elastic properties. Specifically, the minor objectives were to revise and review earlier work on the relations between frequency and attenuation of compressional (sound) waves in marine sediments and on the relations between attenuation and sediment porosity. The major objectives were to determine and predict variations of the attenuation of sound waves with depth in the sea floor.

This book is a research monograph on high-Frequency Seafloor Acoustics. It is the first book in a new series sponsored by the Office of Naval Research on the latest research in underwater acoustics. It provides a critical evaluation of the data and models pertaining to high-frequency acoustic interaction with the seafloor, which will be of interest to researchers in underwater acoustics and to developers of sonars. Models and data are presented so as to be readily usable, backed up by extensive explanation. Much of the data is new, and the discussion in on two levels: concise descriptions in the main text backed up by extensive technical appendices.

This book presents a comprehensive overview of hydroacoustics and describes the physical basis of acoustic processes observed in the sea. In addition, it discusses the basic concepts and provides simplified models of sound propagation and acoustic phenomena at the boundary between environments. Lastly, the book examines in detail a number of applications of ocean acoustics and methods. The ocean is the last reserve of natural resources. It is also an essential element in the biosphere, ensuring the latter’s balance, and plays a pivotal role in the Earth’s climate system and global warming. Consequently, studying the ocean is one of humankind’s most critical scientific tasks, but penetrating its mysteries is no mean feat. Acoustics (hydroacoustics) is one of the most powerful tools for examining the water layer and beyond, since sound waves are the only type of radiation that can propagate over distances of hundreds and even thousands of kilometers in the ocean. This unique resource appeals to specialists working in the fields of ocean and atmosphere physics, students and postgraduate students studying sea physics and oceanology, and anyone who is interested in the problems the ocean is currently facing.

The information and technology necessary to derive a valid geological-geophysical-acoustic model of the sea floor are presented. Two contrasting models are detailed and discussed: one in the Bering Sea which has a shallow-water, high-velocity, hard-sand bottom; and the Mohole (Guadalupe Site) model which has a deep-water, low-velocity, soft-clay bottom. Other models are to be reported in a continuing series. (Author).

Lists citations with abstracts for aerospace related reports obtained from world wide sources and announces documents that have recently been entered into the NASA Scientific and Technical Information Database.