Acoustic and seismic propagation between water and land—An experimental study

Pressure waves can travel through coupled media, such as water and land. A field experiment was performed to characterize impulsive signal propagation between these media. Balloon pops underwater provided the in-water source, while sledgehammer blows provided the land-based source. Data were collected using a distributed sensor array that included locations on land and in the water, using a combination of microphones, hydrophones, and geophones. The array extended 75 m from the shore onto land and 75 m into the water perpendicular to the shoreline. Additional sensors were placed 25 m from the nominal shoreline and parallel to the shore. Source locations varied over the area to maximize capture of varying propagation paths. Data are analyzed for travel time, amplitude, and waveform shape. A description of the field experiment and results are presented. [Work funded by U.S. Army ERDC.]