The Discussion of Acoustic Seabed Sediment Classification Methods

Abstract

Acoustic seabed sediment classification method is always important research contents in marine geology and marine acoustics because of its characters of low-cost and high efficiency. At present, there are mainly three types of acoustic seabed sediment classification methods:(1) the echo signal statistical characteristics classification; (2) image texture classification; (3) submarine acoustic parameter inversion method. The principles of anterior two classification methods are similar, which is based on statistics, unknown sediment type can be concluded according to the statistical characteristics of known sediment. There are many usable acoustic equipments and commercial classification software for the two kinds of methods. The third type method is based on suitable seabed sediment model. Seabed acoustic characteristic parameters are inversed and thus seabed sediment can be classified. At present, there are few usable acoustic equipment and commercial classification software for the third method, but it's more accurate than the anterior two classification methods.