Effects of non-ideal seabed topography on low frequency sound propagation in shallow sea

Abstract

Abstract In order to study the influence of seabed topography on sound propagation under non-ideal conditions, a simulation model of low frequency sound propagation of whole waveguide is established by using finite element method (FEM). The action mechanism of the topography with seamounts on the components of the seismic wave field is studied in time domain. The simulation results show that the propagation of various seismic wave components can be seen intuitively from the time domain. Scholte waves can be excited easily in a suitable range from the seabed, and can propagate along the seabed for a long distance with small attenuation and strong stability. The presence of a seamount allows Scholte waves to scatter, and Scholte waves can travel along the surface of the seamount to the back of the seamount. The path and energy intensity of sound wave change with the change of terrain.