Ray paths in layered ocean models with regional mass velocities

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1968

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Abstract

The generalized vector Eikonal Equation is solved in order to obtain the expression for the radius of curvature for an inhomogeneous ocean. Such ray path calculations have considerable number of applications including the location of underwater bodies. Various forms of an inhomogeneous model are considered. Firstly, both stationary and moving linear ocean models consisting of two horizontal layers are considered for the purposes of representing speed of sound variations with depth, as well as water mass velocities at the surface and the bottom of the ocean. The top layer of the ocean is assumed to be moving with both the speed of sound and water mass velocity decreasing linearly with depth. The layer below it is assumed to have a sound velocity increasing linearly with depth but the water mass velocity along the x-axis is assumed to be constant. Secondly, the one dimensional exponential model of the ocean, in which both the speed of sound and the water mass velocity are assumed to be varying exponentially with depth, is analyzed. Finally, the ocean mass is assumed to have an exponential water mass velocity in two dimensions, x and z and the ray-path and its slope are also calculated. Both the ray path and its slope are calculated and plotted for the proceeding three models using a computer program.

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