Acoustical oceanography of the Levantine Sea.

Abstract

Data on oceanographic conditions in the Levantine Sea in the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea were compiled. Water masses, bottom sediments, and bottom topography are described. Four locations were chosen as representative of the Levantine Sea. Acoustic propagation was modelled for four different months in the 50 to 5000 Hz frequency range for source and receiver depths of 21 to 300 ft at each location. Optimum passive detection of submarine targets was found to occur when source and receiver were at the same depth. This could be achieved with the sonar either on a submarine or lowered below a surface ship.