Full reconstruction of acoustic wavefields by means of pointwise measurements

Abstract: Sound propagation in the ocean is considered. We demonstrate a novel algorithm for full wavefield reconstruction using pointwise measurements by means of a vertical array. The algorithm is based on the so-called discrete variable representation and can be implemented both for tonal and pulse signals. It is shown that the algorithm is robust against array distortions and ambient noise of moderate amplitude. Efficiency of reconstruction is verified by means of numerical simulation with a model of a shallow-sea waveguide. It is found that the effect of bottom sound attenuation enables accurate reconstruction with arrays having relatively low density of hydrophones.