Mode and pe predictions of propagation in range-dependent environments: SWAM'99 Workshop results

Three numerical acoustic models, a coupled normal-mode model (C-SNAP), an adiabatic normal-mode model (PROSIM), and a parabolic equation model (RAM), are applied to test cases defined for the SWAM'99 workshop. The test cases consist of three shallow water (flat bottom) scenarios with range-dependent sound-speed profiles imitating internal wave fields and a shelf-break case, with range-dependent sound-speed profiles and bathymetry. The bottom properties in all the cases are range-independent and modeled as a homogeneous fluid half-space. The results from the modeling are presented as transmission loss for selected acoustic frequencies and source-receiver geometries, and as received time series. The results are compared in order to evaluate the effect of applying different propagation models to the same range-dependent underwater environment. It should be emphasized that the propagation analysis is not an attempt to benchmark the selected propagation models, but to demonstrate the performance of practical, range-dependent models based on different approximations in particular underwater scenarios.