Abstract:
This thesis develops methods useful for estimating zooplankton distributions in the field by combining
acoustic models and an integrated set of field data. The accuracy of existing scattering
models for fluid-like and elastic-shelled animals is determined by analysis of scattering data from
individual animals in a laboratory tank. Results indicate that simple two-ray scattering models are
accurate and allow predictions of size or orientation of an animal to be made for certain animal
orientations. A model for gas-bearing zooplankton is compared with in situ multiple
frequency acoustic measurements from siphonophores. Estimates of the numerical density of these
animals are made using echo integration data from a scientific echo-sounder. Multiple frequency
acoustic scattering data from a survey of an internal wave are analyzed to determine the contributions
from biological and physical sources. Net tow data provide information about biological
scatterers while temperature and salinity profiles are used with a theoretical model to
predict contributions from physical sources. Results indicate that scattering from physical sources
is comparable to that from biological sources in certain regions and that spectra may be
used to distinguish these sources. Improved estimates of biomass from acoustic scattering data were made by accounting for the scattering contributions from physical sources. This is the first work
to quantify the scattering contributions from biological and physical sources of scattering in a field
study.
