Reflection loss estimation using shallow water ambient noise in the Arabian Sea off the west coast of India

This study focuses on the application of a recently developed array processing technique, for estimating the seabed reflection loss, using ambient noise in extremely shallow water (Siderius et al, 2013). According to synthetic array processing technique, the angular resolution of directionality and reflection loss derived from ambient noise can be improved. In this method, Toeplitz property of noise coherence function is used to improve the angular resolution in beamforming. The simulated result of the developed technique provides higher angular resolution for vertical directionality and reflection loss. Ambient noise data recorded in wind prevailing conditions, using a 12 element vertical array from the shallow waters off the west coast of India was used for the analysis. The results from the experimental data conclude that, the reflection loss derived from a 12 element physical array can achieve angular resolution, comparable to a synthetically expanded 6 element physical array.