Oceanographic Characteristics in the Three International Indonesian Archipelago Sea Lanes (IASLs) Region: Implications for Underwater Acoustics System

Abstract

Graphical Abstract Highlight Research The IASL-1 entry portal in the southern and northern regions shows the emergent SOFAR channels. The shadow zone and the existence of a SOFAR deep sound channel in the IASL-2 and IASL-3 routes can be triggered by the emergent “saddle” SVP pattern. The variability seasonally and interannually due to variations in seawater properties stratification plays an important role in SOFAR channel appearances in IASLs. The diverse oceanographic characteristics of IASLs necessitate the implementation of sustainable marine geospatial data. Abstract The Indonesian Maritime Continent (IMC) provides three international sea lanes, known as the Indonesian Archipelago Sea Lanes (IASLs), allowing ships to navigate across territorial waters between the Pacific and Indian Oceans and vice versa. Gaining knowledge about the distinct oceanographic characteristics of the three IASLs can offer valuable insight into maritime safety and sustainable marine resource management. This study aims to review oceanographic characteristics in IASL regions from available past studies to provide a comprehensive insight into the processes and dynamical oceanography in the IASL region and its implications for underwater acoustic patterns. The results of research found that the IASL-1 route is characterized by a shallow shelf passage with homogeneous sound velocity profile (SVP) but a deep and narrow entry portal in the southern and northern SOFAR channels. Seasonal reversal monsoonal wind-driven current dominates the circulation. The IASL-2 and IASL-3 routes convey a deep and narrow passage with complexity of sea-air interactions; they vary on seasonal and interannual time scales. These IASLs emerge with the “saddle” SVP, which can trigger the shadow zone and the existence of a SOFAR deep sound channel that varies seasonally and interannually due to variations in seawater properties stratification. The diverse oceanographic characteristics discussed above significantly influence the underwater object detection equipment, the planning time, and the strategies for underwater defense systems. Due to these implications, it is necessary to utilize marine geospatial database. Subsequently, these data may be utilized to facilitate policy-making and provide approximations for marine activities and management along the IASLs.