Sound-signal scintillation approach to acoustic monitoring of the heat and mass transport through the Fram Strait

The computation model of the sound-signal propagation in the Fram Strait environment is considered in application to remote acoustic sensing of the heat and mass transport. A 3-D sound-speed environment has been simulated with respect to the statistical features of the real cross section of the strait obtained from experimental data. The linear four-element transmission array and four-element receiving arrray with equally spaced elements are modeled. Travel time variations of the signals propagating across the strait related to temperature change are calculated and the methods of the temperature retrieval in the complex environment is discussed. Then the travel time perturbations of the sound signals produced by the advection of the small-scale inhomogeneities across the path are considered. The calculation of the time-lagged cross-correlation function of the acoustic field gives the transverse current velocity data. By combining the response from each transmitter–receiver pair in different ways, the transverse current profile is retrieved. Results obtained are used to estimate the potential accuracy of the acoustic sensing of the heat and mass transport through the strait cross section. [Work supported by Environmental and Climate Programme of EC, Project PL970338.]