Comparison of fluctuations of a broad-band pulsed acoustic signal in the Philippine Sea to simulation.

Abstract

The North Pacific Acoustic Laboratory (NPAL) has conducted several long‐range (>500‐km) experiments in the North Eastern and North Central Pacific Ocean. In April 2009, NPAL conducted an engineering test/pilot study in the more oceanographically energetic Philippine Sea in preparation for a longer‐duration experiment in 2010. Transmissions from a ship‐suspended source were to be recorded on a vertical line array at a comparatively shorter range of ≈100 km. Statistics of fluctuations of the acoustic field are found by simulated broad‐band signal propagation through a model of the Philippine Sea environment. Model parameters are chosen following analysis of environmental data taken during the engineering test. Simulation‐based predictions are compared to experimental data and to predictions of acoustic fluctuations in the less‐energetic North Eastern and North Central Pacific Ocean. [Support for this work was provided by the Office of Naval Research.]