Sound Propagation in Shallow Water

Abstract

A knowledge of the sound field and of sound propagation in shallow water has great value in predicting long-range propagation and in calibrating sound receivers and generators. In this study intensity measurements were made at the Ordnance Research Laboratory's Calibration Station at Black Moshannon Lake which, though very shallow, has an extensive shoreline. These measurements were obtained for both fixed distances and variable depths and for fixed depths and variable distances. Special attention has been given to the study of the interference field caused by bottom and surface reflections over a wide range of frequencies. The measurements have also been used to estimate the sound adsorption caused by the proximity of the bottom, and results of this study are compared with the existing theory.