Validation of model-based techniques for characterization of underwater acoustic parameters using field data

The site-specific physical parameters such as water temperature, salinity and depth decide the underwater sound speed variations which indirectly relevant to the propagation characteristics of an acoustic signal. This research paper mainly focuses on analysing the sound speed profile of a typical tropical shallow freshwater system using linear and polynomial regression models with the goal of deriving a computationally efficient model. Valeport 602 CTD meter is used in experimentation for the measurement of electrical parameters of conductivity, temperature and density. The actual analysis of computational complexity of the proposed models is carried out in terms of the number of addition and multiplication operations required. The validation of both models is analysed by variation in the model input parameters within defined limits. The model inputs have been derived from an in situ experimental data collection process in a typical tropical shallow freshwater system. The proposed polynomial regression model for evaluating sound speed at tropical shallow freshwater system exhibited a good agreement with a root mean square error of 0.5m/s.