Propagation characteristics from the trans‐Arctic propagation source as measured at a receiver in the Lincoln Sea

Abstract

The trans‐Arctic propagation (TAP) source was a Russian device deployed north of Svalbard transmitting at about 20 Hz. Transmissions received in the Lincoln Sea north of Ellesmere Island were recorded on a 20‐element vertical array located on the continental shelf. The propagation path between the source and receiver is over the Arctic Mid Ocean Ridge, then skirting the Morris Jesup Plateau, and finally propagating up the continental slope. The ice cover along this path of propagation is highly varied, ranging from central Arctic roughness levels (usually about 1–2.5 m standard deviation) to the higher roughness (about 4 m s.d.) of the Canadian Archipelago. Amplitude and phase fluctuations of signal and environmental noise over varied time periods, and the results for the statistical character of the water column will be presented. Comparisons will be made with modeled results to help determine the effects from this complex environment and to predict the impact of variation in ice conditions along the pro...