Three-dimensional elliptic mesoscale eddy modeling and underwater sound field analysis

Most mesoscale eddies in the ocean are elliptical in shape and can significantly affect underwater sound propagation, which in turn impacts the use of underwater equipment. Additionally, it is challenging to quickly and comprehensively observe mesoscale eddies in practical applications. By integrating satellite data, sea surface observation data, and individual profile observation data, we established an elliptical eddy model that more accurately reflects the actual conditions of the eddies, referencing the Henrick eddy analytical model. Utilizing the Bellhop ray acoustics model, we analyzed the influence of different angles of the elliptical mesoscale eddies on underwater sound propagation. The research results indicate that all mesoscale eddies in the Philippine Sea of the Northwest Pacific are elliptical, with over 90% of the aspect ratios between the major and minor axes ranging from 1.4 to 1.5. The elliptical eddy model can effectively simulate the elliptical structure of the eddies under conditions of sparse data. The simulation results show that the characteristics of the sound field undergo significant changes in the presence of eddies. Experimental results reveal the varying impacts of the eddy's major and minor axis orientations on sound propagation. The establishment of this model provides valuable insights for rapidly understanding underwater sound and flow field environments under conditions of limited data in future environmental assessments.