Effects of bottom type variability on modeled backscattered levels of a high-frequency sonar

Results investigating the effects of variable bottom composition on modeled high-frequency backscattered levels are presented for a typical shallow water, range-dependent environment. The modeled environment consisted of a single sound-speed profile, a flat sea bottom with range-dependent bottom composition, and a benign sea surface. Coarse and fine grain sandy areas were partitioned in range to create range dependence. Bottom backscattering and reflection loss for each partition were obtained from the recent University of Texas high-frequency ocean bottom backscatter model [N. P. Chotiros and F. A. Boyle, 3264(A) (1994)]. Differences of 5 dB were discernible between the fine–coarse–fine sand bottom and a range-independent fine sand bottom for ranges