Using Axial Base cabled array sensor data to study the prediction of second-order pressures from nonlinear surface wave interactions associated with microseisms

Abstract

There are currently no published experimental measurements of second-order pressures in the water column from nonlinear surface wave interactions. Microseism researchers have focused on predicting and measuring microseisms directly without measuring second-order pressures in the water column. We considered several Ocean Observatory regional cabled arrays as sources for water column measurements to compare with analytical model second-order pressure predictions based on hindcast directional wave spectra. We selected the Axial Base cabled array for its location and suite of instruments including two hydrophones, 3D velocity sensor, and seismometer near the seafloor. Here we present results for predicted second-order pressures along with hydrophone measurements at the Axial Base site over different times of a year (2019–2020) to demonstrate a correlation. Validating a prediction model for second-order pressures based on directional surface wave spectra using the OOI cabled array sensor data could spur development of wave energy harvesting devices in the deep ocean and other applications.