High-resolution acoustically informed maps of sound speed.

Abstract

As oceanographic models advance in complexity, accuracy, and resolution, in situ measurements must provide spatiotemporal information with sufficient resolution to inform and validate those models. In this study, water masses at the New England shelf break were mapped using scientific echosounders combined with water column property measurements from a single conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) profile. The acoustically-inferred map of sound speed was compared with a sound speed cross section based on two-dimensional interpolation of multiple CTD profiles. Long-range acoustic propagation models were then parameterized by the sound speed profiles estimated by the two methods and differences were compared.