A parametric examination of some properties of the low-frequency ambient noise field

Abstract

Models for ship-generated ambient noise vary considerably in the detail required of their input data on sources and the environment. This paper describes a model that predicts ambient-noise levels and cumulative distribution functions for Poisson-distributed shipping. Representing statistically both the locations and source levels of the ships serve~ to minimize the input requirements. It then proves relatively easy to study parametrically the sensitivity of the predictions to propagation conditions, shipping densities, source-level distributions, and array directivity. The model is also well-matched to the limited environmental information often available for sea trials. Predictions will be compared with experimental data to illustrate the utility of the model.