Wave field computations on the interface: An ocean acoustic model

AbstractApproximating the elliptic wave equation by a parabolic equation (PE) allows a rapid computation of the wave field for a large class of wave propagation problems involving range-dependent environments. We extend the utility of this method to include the capability of accurately treating the wave field at the interface between differing media such as occur in the ocean. Interface conditions are developed to handle the irregular boundary between media having different sound speeds and densities. The interface conditions are then incorporated in an implicit finite-difference solution of the PE, resulting in an ocean acoustic model that accurately represents the wave field at the interface. A complete mathematical development is presented, and the validity of the model established. To further verify the model, numerical results are obtained for an ocean environment in which multiple layered media, having irregular interfaces, occur