Acoustics and Properties of the Ocean

Acoustic techniques are being used to determine properties of the ocean for scientific and engineering applications. This paper reports on existing concepts and problems in the application of acoustics to oceanic chemistry, geology, biology, and dynamics which can be treated in the next decade. By using different regions of the acoustic spectrum and different acoustic path configurations, information may be obtained concerning such topics as climate and weather, fisheries, ocean pollution, bathymetry, and currents. These subjects were discussed in the recent NOAA workshop on Ocean Acoustic Remote sensing (Seattle, January 1980).