Abstract:

Data from the acoustic surface reverberation experiment (ASREX) [Williams et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 97, 3404 (1995)], is analyzed using multivariate Fourier and wavelet techniques to investigate relationships between environmental conditions and observed acoustic surface backscatter at 200, 400, and 800-Hz frequencies. Environmental variables observed included wind speed and direction, wave height, air and sea temperatures, current speed and direction, ambient noise, and various measurements of bubble activity characterized by depth-integrated air volume and e-folding depth. The relative contribution of the environmental parameters to observed backscattering strengths at the various frequencies will be discussed. The analysis techniques will be described, compared, and contrasted. [Work supported by ONR.]