Inferences of seabed characterization in a variable ocean environment

Abstract

Dimensional reduction methods based on feature extraction are critical for statistical inference application in variable ocean environments. Presented are analyses for selected acoustic measurements made during the Seabed Characterization Experiment in 2021-2022. Broadband sources were deployed on the New England continental slope between the 200 and 400 m depth contours. The method of analysis includes first analyzing short range (higher grazing angles) acoustic measurements provided by both a broadband towed source and explosive sources. Features utilized for short-ranged data include those associated with seabed interferometry. Then, longer range data (lower grazing angles) are utilized to provide improved estimates of such quantities as the attenuations and sound speed gradients. Features utilized for long-ranged data include those associated with the dispersion of signals generated by explosive sources. As a general guide the mid-frequency band is utilized to infer characteristics about the upper portions of the sediment whereas the lower frequencies are utilized to infer the deeper portions of the seabed. [Work supported by Office of Naval Research.]