Sound propagation in shallow water: a detailed description of the acoustic field close to surface and bottom

Abstract

Experimental data are compared with normal-mode predictions for an isovelocity shallow-water propagation channel overlying a complicated layered bottom. Measurements were made close to both the sea surface and the sea floor with a vertical hydrophone spacing of 1 m. Excellent agreement between theory and experiment is obtained over the frequency range 50-3200 Hz and for ranges up to 30 km. Some problems associated with deterministic modeling are also discussed and appropriate solutions are indicated.