Work

Impact of Mesoscale Eddies on Acoustic Propagation Under a Rough Sea Surface

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines the combined effects of mesoscale eddies and rough sea surfaces on acoustic propagation in the eastern Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden during summer mon-soon conditions. Using three-dimensional sound speed fields from CMEMS, sea surface spectra from the SWAN wave model validated by Jason-3 altimetry, and the BELLHOP ray-tracing model, we quantify their synergistic impacts on underwater sound. A Monte Carlo-based dynamic sea surface roughness model is coupled with BELLHOP to analyze multiphysical interactions. Results show that sea surface roughness dominates surface duct propagation, increasing transmission loss by ~20 dB compared to smooth surfaces, while mesoscale eddies deepen the surface duct and broaden convergence zones by up to 5 km. In deeper waters, eddies shift convergence zones and reduce peak sound intensity in the deep sound channel. These findings enhance sonar performance and underwater communication in dynamic, monsoon-influenced marine environments.

Source: Remote Sensing

DOI: 10.3390/rs17122036

Authors: Shaoze Zhang, Jian Shi, Xuhui Cao

Institutions: National University of Defense Technology, Changsha University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Underwater Acoustics Research

Subfield: Oceanography

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258

Funders: China Association for Science and Technology, National Natural Science Foundation of China, National University of Defense Technology