ABSTRACT

Matched field processing (MFP) is a collection of advanced array signal processing techniques which utilize the non-planar, non-isotropic, multi-path character of acoustic fields in ocean environments [1]. The basic principle of MFP is to cross-correlate measured acoustic fields with accurately modeled fields for which the parameters of interest are varied. The general MFP techniques have been successfully demonstrated on problems involving the localization of unknown sources – given sufficient known environmental information to accurately model the phases and amplitudes of individual low frequency source components (ranging from 10 to 500Hz). Most recently, however, MFP techniques have been applied to the design of a new non-invasive tomographic method using multiple source signals densely sampling the ocean environment for the determination of the unknown ocean parameters affecting the signals. This tomographic method is designed to use simple shot sources and multiple arrays hydrophones. This paper will review efforts to date to determine. (a) deep ocean sound-speed profiles and (b) shallow water bottom parameters, eg., sediment sound-speeds, densities, and layer thicknesses.