The Navy relies on physics-informed, passive approaches to learn about the regional oceanography influential at a local receiver. Of particular interest are through-the-sensor approaches which exploit the dominant, acoustic energy radiated by uncontrolled but broadband surface vessel. These approximately located sources can be used to learn about sea-floor depth, geo-acoustic parameters, and sound speed structure. Near-term research contributions include but are not limited to understanding dominant oceanographic processes, models for ship dynamics, and optimal sensor configuration. Long-term efforts include contributions to developing data-assimilation models.  

Reference:

Gemba, K. L., Sarkar, J., Cornuelle, B., Hodgkiss, W. S., & Kuperman, W. A. (2018). Estimating relative channel impulse responses from ships of opportunity in a shallow water environment. J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 144(3), 1231–1244. 

key words

oceanography; acoustics; signal processing; inverse theory; physics; machine learning; detection; noise; sources of opportunity

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants