Matched-field replica model optimization and bottom property inversion in shallow water

Matched-field replica models based on an inaccurate knowledge of geoacoustic parameters such as bottom attenuation, shear, and interfacial sound-speed discontinuities, can predict an incorrect number of propagating modes for a shallow-water channel. The resulting degradation in the matched-field ambiguity surface can be substantially reduced by obtaining optimal replica models via modal-sum-limit optimization or bottom-property inversion. The use of these techniques for multi-tone (70, 95, 145, and 195 Hz) source-tow data recorded near San Diego during the first Shallow-Water Evaluation Cell Experiment (SWellEX-1) significantly increased matched-field correlation levels and improved source localization relative to results obtained with a previous nonoptimized model. The predicted number of propagating modes was also reduced substantially. The inversion for bottom properties (attenuation, interfacial sound-speed discontinuities, no shear) provided sediment attenuation estimates which agree well with Hamilton's models and were an order-of-magnitude greater than that used in the nonoptimized model, which accounts for the reduction in the number of modes. A simulated modal decomposition using the inverted optimal replica model verifies the number of modes predicted by the modal-sum-limit optimization.