High-frequency, low-grazing-angle backscattering from a sandy bottom

Backscattering measurements from a sandy bottom off East Destin, FL were obtained using a multi-frequency echosounder attached to a pan/tilt head on a bottom-mounted tower during the Sediment Acoustics Experiment, SAX99. Usable data were obtained over the frequency range from 265–1850 kHz, spanning the transition from roughness-controlled to grain-size-controlled scattering, at grazing angles around 15. Field results will be discussed and compared to laboratory measurements. [Work supported by ONR Code 322 BC.]