Correlation of backscatter with bottom topography

Abstract

Practical data from low frequency sonar operations in shallow water has been analysed to demonstrate that a high degree of correlation exists between the received signal due to bottom hackscattering and the hottom gradient in the direction of propagation, and that the relationship is in close agreement with Lambert's Law for very shallow grazing angles. Results of preliminary studies are presented which show that this relationship may he used to calculate bearing enors in towed underwater systems.