Analysis of modal travel time variability due to mesoscale ocean structure
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1997
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 104
Description: This dissertation examines the effects of ocean mesoscale variability on acoustic arrival time patterns for two separate ocean environments. First, for an open ocean environment away from strong boundary currents, the effects of randomly phased linear baroclinic Rossby waves on acoustic travel time are shown to produce a variable overall spreading in the arrival pattern, primarily producing a delay in the later, axial arrivals. Second, using the state-of-the- art Semtner-Chervin eddy resolving global ocean circulation model coupled with the University of Miami Parabolic Equation (UMPE) acoustic propagation model, the effects of a fluctuating frontal region created by the California Current on the temporal, spatial and seasonal variability in the individual modal arrivals of the first thirty modes over a one-model-year time span is assessed. The mesoscale bias variability is also examined by comparing the various peak arrival times for the range-averaged environment to that of the range-dependent environment. To support this work, approximate "wide angle PE mode functions" were newly developed which form a different basis set for modal expansion from that obtained using standard normal mode theory. These new mode functions provide the proper basis set for modal expansion of the field computed by wide angle PE models.
Notes: Dissertation supervisors, Kevin B. Smith, Ching-Sang Chiu.

Thesis (Ph. D. in Engineering Acoustics)--Naval Postgraduate School, June 1997.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 97-102).

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