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Statistical model and estimation method for ranging a moving ship using a single acoustic receiver in shallow water
Junsu Jang1, William S Hodgkiss1, Florian Meyer1
1Marine Physical Laboratory, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|September 24, 2025
Summary
This study estimates ship range using passive acoustics and the waveguide invariant (WI) in shallow waters. The method achieved high accuracy, with errors under ±4% up to 62 km.
Area of Science:
- Ocean acoustics
- Marine physics
- Signal processing
Background:
- Passive acoustics is crucial for maritime situational awareness.
- Shallow water acoustic propagation is modeled by dispersive modes.
- Waveguide invariant (WI) characterizes shallow water waveguide properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a WI-based method for estimating range to transiting ships using a single hydrophone.
- To leverage broadband and tonal ship sounds for range estimation.
- To evaluate the method's performance in shallow water environments.
Main Methods:
- A statistical model was developed based on the waveguide invariant.
- Range estimation utilized single-hydrophone spectrograms and ship-radiated sounds.
- The method was validated using data from the Seabed Characterization Experiment 2017 (SBCEX17).
Main Results:
- The WI-based method accurately estimated ship range in a shallow water environment.
- Range estimation errors were below ±4% up to 62 km in optimal conditions.
- Robust performance was observed in the 40-60 Hz frequency band.
Conclusions:
- Passive acoustic range estimation using WI is effective for maritime applications.
- The method demonstrates potential for enhancing maritime situational awareness.
- Accurate ship ranging is achievable even in acoustically challenging shallow water conditions.
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