Preliminary acoustic and oceanographic observations and configuration information from the 2021 NESBA Experiment

Abstract

The 2021 New England Shelfbreak Acoustics (NESBA) experiment was sponsored by ONR to investigate sound propagation and scattering effects on the southern New England shelfbreak. The shelfbreak region has been observed to have increased soundspeed variability due to physical oceanographic, geological, and biological effects, such as an increased influence from the Gulf Stream. The abrupt topography (i.e. slope) and submarine canyons, varying seabed properties, and oceanographic features such as the shelfbreak front, thermohaline intrusions, and shelfwater streamers resulted in varying sound propagation and 3D effects. The experiment consisted of a network of acoustic and oceanographic moored equipment complimented by multi vessel operations over a six-month period. The acoustic and environmental sensor parameters from moored, deployed and towed assets are described in this technical report.