Numerical Analysis of Pulse Wave Propagation in Lützow-Holm Bay of the Antarctic Ocean Calculated by the Parabolic Equation Method

Abstract

Ocean climate research is being carried out considering the use of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) in the Antarctic Ocean. In this study, to understand the characteristics of sound propagation in Lützow-Holm bay of the Antarctic Ocean for acoustical communication with an AUV, we estimate pulse waveforms using a two-dimensional (2D) parabolic equation method. We assumed that one transmitter each is placed at three different depths (50, 100, and 150 m) and the propagation range is up to 39 km in a traverse line OW. We calculate the pulse propagation in the Antarctic Ocean using three bottom models to determine its influences on pulse wave amplitude by bathymetry. The results show a variation in pulse wave amplitude of about 3 dB when the source depth is 100 m. The pulse amplitude varies from 5 to -10 dB when the source depth changes from 50 to 150 m.