Scattering of Acoustic Waves from Ocean Boundaries

: The long-term goal is the development of a physical model of high-frequency acoustic interaction with the ocean floor, including penetration through and reflection from smooth and rough water/sediment interfaces, scattering from the interface roughness and volume heterogeneities and propagation within the sediment. The model will aid in the detection and classification of buried mines and improve SONAR performance in shallow water. The objectives are: 1) Determination of the correct physical model of acoustic propagation through ocean sediments and scattering from sediment interfaces through the analysis of in situ measurements. 2) Development of predictive models that can account for the all of the physical processes and variability of acoustic propagation and scattering in ocean environments with special emphasis on propagation in shallow water waveguides and scattering from ocean sediments. 3) Development of the new experimental techniques to measure geo-acoustic parameters in the ocean.