Investigation of wavefield boundary interactions in a prototypical littoral zone

Abstract

Signals in a littoral environment may be generated and received in any of the three media present: land, air, and water. Interpretation of signals that have crossed media boundaries is challenging, as the preponderance of research has treated media boundaries as lossy reflectors rather than poor transmitters. Full wavefield characterization of broadband pressure signals coupled to the land/soil, air, or water (LAW) is critical to interpreting those signals that have passed through media boundaries. However, there is only a basic understanding of how waves transform as they cross subsurface inhomogeneities and boundaries. This presentation begins with an overview of the new multi-disciplinary effort currently underway at the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center to investigate the wavefield and boundary interactions in a littoral zone environment. The experiment is designed to measure wave transmission across mixed media boundaries in a controlled, constructed, prototype littoral zone. An overview of the design and construction of the test site is provided. The preliminary experimental results are presented and discussed. [Approved for public release: distribution is unlimited.]