Frequency dependent effects of environmental parameters on the broadband acoustic wave propagation in shallow water waveguides

Abstract

Acoustic wave intensity plays a crucial role in underwater acoustics, particularly in shallow water regions in which the signal suffers substantial energy fluctuations. The physical properties of the environment significantly impact the intensity of broadband acoustic waves in shallow water waveguides. The accuracy of the intensity is vital for the reliability of any inverse algorithm used to obtain the physical properties of the waveguide boundaries. In this paper, we explore the effects of sound speed fluctuations in the water column on broadband acoustic propagation across different frequencies. Our observations reveal that at higher frequencies the sound intensity is more sensitive to oceanographic variability. This poses challenges for geo-acoustic inversions when parameters in the water column are not well-known, particularly at higher frequencies. To validate our findings, we present simulations using normal modes and parabolic equation with examples from recent experimental observations conducted on the New England Mud Patch Area and the continental shelf region of the United States during 2017, 2021, and 2022. These experiments provide valuable insight into the intricate behavior of acoustic waves in shallow water environments at different frequency bands. [Work supported by ONR (Grant No. N00014-21-1-2760).]