Sensitivity of spatial coherence of sub-bottom scattering to sediment attenuation

Abstract

The spatial coherence of seafloor scattering is determined by a complex interaction between parameters describing the environment, the sensor, and the measurement geometry. Forward modeling shows that near normal incidence, the spatial coherence of the field backscattered from an isotropic sub-bottom may be sensitive to the sediment attenuation coefficient. This presentation will describe a parametric study investigating the sensitivity of spatial coherence to specific combinations of environment, sensor, and measurement geometry. Particular emphasis will be placed on identifying configurations where the spatial coherence is sensitive to the sediment attenuation coefficient. To support this analysis, a numerical model using the van Cittert–Zernike Theorem and a point-based scattering model will be used to provide forward modeling of the spatial coherence. These models are compared for several simulated environments of increasing complexity to explore the sensitivity of the spatial coherence to sediment attenuation. Agreement between these models will provide a path to developing the collection geometry and algorithms necessary for inversion using simulated data.