Modified phase integral approximation for a more rigorous ray tracing technique

Abstract

The phase integral approximation is modified to describe wave propagation in three dimensions without any singularities at classical turning points. For stratified media a rigorous ray tracing scheme is derived. Stratified media are shown in general to induce dispersion. The connections to both the normal mode and filter theory methods are discussed. The effects of oceanic surface thermoclines upon rigorous ray tracing are shown to be frequency dependent. Subject Classification: [43]30.20; [43]20.15.