Characterization of absorption and non-linear effects in infrasound propagation using an augmented Burgers’ equation

The long-range atmospheric propagation of explosion-like waves of frequency in the infrasound range is investigated using non-linear ray theory. Simulations are performed for sources of increasing amplitude on rays up to the lower thermosphere and for distances of hundreds of kilometres. A study of the attenuation of the waveforms observed at ground level induced by both the classical mechanisms and the vibrational relaxation of the molecules comprising the atmospheric gas is carried out. The relative importance of classical absorption and vibrational relaxation along the typical atmospheric propagation trajectories is assessed. Non-linear effects are highlighted as well and particular emphasis is placed on their strong interaction with absorption phenomena. A detailed description of the propagation model and of the numerical algorithm used in this work is first reported. Results are then discussed and the importance of the different mechanisms is clarified.