Change in sound signal propagation at the place of formation of the diffusive convection (DC) structure; in the west of the Strait of Hormuz

Abstract

Double diffusion (DD) structures, in two types of diffusive convection (DC) and salt-fingering (SF), occur due to vertical temperature and salinity gradients with different diffusion coefficients. Areas such as the Strait of Hormuz, which has a thermohaline exchange between the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, are suitable places for the formation of DD structures. Based on the results, the formation of DC structure is significant compared to other processes in the west of the Strait of Hormuz in December. Fluctuations in temperature and the growth of DC structure cause mixing and changing the depth of the boundary layer of temperature and salinity in the water. So that in the presence of the DC structure, the decrease in the value of the sound speed (1552 m/s) extends to a depth of 40 m, but the sound speed increases to 1555 m/s at the place where the warm water rises. The results show that the sound transmission loss increases by 5-15 dB in the place of strong DC structure. When the sound frequency increases, the transmission loss caused by the DC structure decreases. But for rays with a small propagation angle, a significant expansion is created in the propagation steps and wavelength of the rays, which increases up to 2 times with the increase in the depth of the sound source.