Abstract:This paper proposes a vector sensor measurement
model and the related Bartlett estimator based on particle velocity
measurements for generic parameter estimation,
illustrating the advantages of the vector sensor array (VSA).
A reliable estimate of the ocean bottom properties such as sediment
compressional speed, density and compressional attenuation based in matched-field inversion (MFI)
techniques can be achieved using a small aperture VSA. It is shown that VSAs improve
the resolution of seabed parameter estimation when compared with pressure sensor
arrays with the same number of sensors.
The data considered herein was acquired by a four-element VSA in the 8-14kHz band,
during the Makai Experiment in 2005. The results obtained with MFI techniques are compared
with those obtained with a method proposed by C. Harrison, whichi determines the bottom reflection
loss as the ratio between the upward and downward beam responses. The results show a good
agreement and are in line with the historical information for the area.
The particle velocity information provided by the VSA increases significantly the resolution of
seabed parameter estimation and in some cases reliable results are obtained
using only the vertical component of the particle velocity.