Assessing the feasibility of conducting coastal acoustic tomography using BELLHOP modeling

Abstract

In order to apply coastal acoustic tomography (CAT) efficiently to a specific coastal area, it is necessary to design a measurement system in consideration of various variables related to the marine environment of the area. In particular, to consider seasonal variations in the water temperature structure quantitatively is important regarding the formation of sound rays. In this study, the feasibility of performing CAT according to the seasonal variations in the water temperature structure of Yeosu and Gwangyang Port was studied through simulation using BELLHOP model. First, BELLHOP model simulations were performed using the precise chart data and seasonal water temperature structure data of Yeosu and Gwangyang Port as input data. As a result, signal received during transmitting and receiving between candidate locations of stations could be calculated for each season. And, by estimating the minimum sound source level required to obtain an identifiable peak from the SNR value of the signal, the feasibility of tomography measurement could be assessed. It is expected that some important information, in constructing a tomography system with specifications appropriate for any coastal area of interest, can be provided in advance utilizing the method used in this study.