OC4267 Ocean Acoustic Variability and Uncertainty

Examines sound speed profiles (time and space variability), ambient noise, absorption, and reflection and scattering from the sea surface and bottom as they affect sound propagation in the ocean. Synoptic prediction techniques for ambient noise and transmission loss are reviewed. Environmental data input and computational approximations for acoustic models are evaluated against observed signal fluctuations and transmission loss. The course is designed for the Air-Ocean Science, Operational Oceanography, and USW Curricula. 

Prerequisite

OC3230 and OC3260 or equivalent

Lecture Hours

4

Lab Hours

0

Course Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Report the sources of inhomogeneities in the ocean, and their spatio-temporal scales.
• Apply acoustic models to understand the behavior of acoustic waves in a variable medium.
• Report the important parameters controlling scattering by the seafloor and ocean interior.
• Identify three different theoretical models used to model scattering strength from the seafloor.