Environmental acoustic parameters of the Sea of Japan shelf (Peter the Great Gulf)

Abstract

The paper describes general geoacoustic model of the Peter the Great Gulf and detailed model of its part. General geoacoustic model is formed on the basis of geological, seismic and bathymetric data. It includes distribution of P-, S-wave, density and attenuation of friable sediments at the bottom surface and averaged characteristics for different types of rocks in the gulf. Bathymetric data processing was carried out by means of two-dimensional singular spectrum analysis, based on the ratio between the size of relief structures and the energy expended under the development of tectonic processes. Detailed geoacoustic model is based on processing of hydroacoustic and seismic studies. Three sedimentary layers and the location of upper edge of the granite stratum are marked in the observable shelf area. The model demonstrates significant changes in P-, S-wave in the sediments of the lateral (1500-1750 m/s - P-wave and 120-600 m/s - S-wave) and vertical (1500-5400 m/s - P-wave and 120-3300 m/s - S-wave). Some of the more important oceanographic mechanisms determining both large- and small-scale spatio-temporal variations of sound speed field in the same area are presented. Qualitative analysis of the propagation of low-frequency signals is presented as an example of application of the model. © 2013 Acoustical Society of America.