Utilization of the interference invariant for geoacoustic parameter inversion in shallow water

S. D. Chuprov’s interference invariant, or β parameter, characterized broadband striation patterns as a function of range and freuencey. Puchenkina and Salin proposed using the β parameter to estimate geoacoustic bottom parameters. Further work by Baggeroer, Rousseff, and Spindel recommended characterizing β as a probability distribution instead of a discrete quantity. the authors of this presentation will illustrate use of the β distribution to perform geoacoustic parameter inversion in shallow water, using simulated annealing methods. This inherently broadband process utilizes ships of opportunity combined with a priori range information to provide high-SNR input signals to the inversino process. [Work sponsored by DARPA Advanced Technology Office, Contract N00024-01-C-6319.]