Passive bottom reflection-loss estimation using ship noise and a vertical line array.

An existing technique for passive bottom-loss estimation from natural marine surface noise (generated by waves and wind) is adapted to use noise generated by ships. The original approach-based on beamforming of the noise field recorded by a vertical line array of hydrophones-is retained; however, additional processing is needed in order for the field generated by a passing ship to show features that are similar to those of the natural surface-noise field. A necessary requisite is that the ship position, relative to the array, varies over as wide a range of steering angles as possible, ideally passing directly over the array to ensure coverage of the steepest angles. The methodology is illustrated through simulation and applied to data from a field experiment conducted offshore of San Diego, CA in 2009.