Self-contained acoustics platforms for probing ocean surface processes

This paper describes the capabilities and technical specifications of a pair of high-frequency acoustics platforms, known as Susy and SeaScan, designed to probe oceanic near-surface processes. These self-contained drifters employ six upward-looking conical beam sonars (29-397 kHz), two 360/spl deg/ steerable sidescans (103 kHz), and several hydrophones. Both backscattered intensity and Doppler velocity are measured with the sonars and sidescans. A detailed description of the mechanical and electronic components is provided. Examples of sonar and sidescan data products from these platforms are shown, including near-surface vertical and horizontal micro-bubble distributions, and Doppler velocities due to waves.<
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