Development of a broadband acoustic sonar system for simultaneous measurements of the temporal and spatial distribution of bubbles and surface wave height in the context of acoustic communication in shallow coastal waters
Andone Lavery, Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering
Jim Preisig, Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering
Project summary
Understanding the complex spatial and temporal distribution of bubbles in coastal regions is an
important factor for many diverse research areas, including the effectiveness of underwater
acoustic communications. Recent work has shown that the reliability of acoustic communications
in shallow waters is highly sensitive to both bubbles generated by breaking surface waves as well
as sea surface “roughness” over a range of scales, including long-period swell and short-period
wind driven waves. Acoustic backscattering techniques are ideal for remotely imaging the spatial
and temporal distributions of bubbles as they can rapidly image relevant spatial scales at highresolution. Emerging broadband techniques increase the range resolution through matched-filter
signal processing techniques, result in a spectrum of scattering over a range of frequencies that
can allow bubble resonances to be measured, and can simultaneously measure surface wave
height with an upward looking system. Capitalizing on new sonar boards developed at WHOI,
we propose to develop and test an autonomous, low-power, low-cost, compact, versatile
broadband acoustic scattering system for simultaneous measurement of the temporal and spatial
distribution of bubbles and surface wave height in the context of acoustic communications in
coastal regions.