Use of the parabolic equation method for local infrasound propagation predictions

Abstract

Local infrasound (<150 km) propagation is strongly influenced by range- and time-dependent meteorological conditions. The Parabolic Equation computational method provides an efficient and flexible tool for predicting infrasound propagation in this regime. Over these longer distances, the influence of spatial and temporal variations in the meteorological conditions can be significant. Meteorological conditions extracted from simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model are incorporated by updating the effective sound speed profile as a function of propagation range. By examining horizontal grid increments between 1 and 15 km and temporal resolutions between 4 and 60 seconds, we begin to quantify the potential variability in predictions at ranges of up to 150 km, for frequencies between 1 and 20 Hz. This procedure will inform a broader discussion of the application of the PE method to infrasound prediction. [Work funded by the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology) [ASA(ALT)] under 62784/T40. Distribution Statement A: Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited.]Local infrasound (<150 km) propagation is strongly influenced by range- and time-dependent meteorological conditions. The Parabolic Equation computational method provides an efficient and flexible tool for predicting infrasound propagation in this regime. Over these longer distances, the influence of spatial and temporal variations in the meteorological conditions can be significant. Meteorological conditions extracted from simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model are incorporated by updating the effective sound speed profile as a function of propagation range. By examining horizontal grid increments between 1 and 15 km and temporal resolutions between 4 and 60 seconds, we begin to quantify the potential variability in predictions at ranges of up to 150 km, for frequencies between 1 and 20 Hz. This procedure will inform a broader discussion of the application of the PE method to infrasound prediction. [Work funded by the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, an...