Horizontal refraction of sound rays due to short-period internal waves in the ocean

Abstract

The effect of a short-period internal wave measured in field conditions on the horizontal (side) refraction of sound rays is estimated. The angle of horizontal refraction, i.e., the angle between the direction of the signal arrival in the horizontal plane and the true direction to the sound source, is determined. The influence of various factors, such as the position of the receiving system in depth with respect to the layer of high sound velocity gradients, the rotation of the transmitter-receiver track with respect to the internal wave front, etc., on the horizontal refraction is estimated. Numerical calculations are carried out. Conclusions about the possible errors that arise in determining the azimuth direction to the sound source because of the effect of short-period internal waves are derived.