Convergence zone analysis for a source in the front area of Kuroshio Extension based on Argo data

Many studies have been conducted on acoustic propagation in different parts of the seas and oceans, and in this paper, the character of Convergence Zone (CZ) is analyzed in the front area of Kuroshio Extension. With cluster method and empirical orthogonal function decomposition method, formulas have been derived to get the grouped SSPs. After that an SSP field model based on Argo data is obtained by interpolation. On acoustic propagation path through the front area of Kuroshio Extension, character of convergence zone varies not only due to the continuously fluctuating depth of deep sound channel, which is dominated by the distribution and structure of Kuroshio Extension, but also affected by terrain, which has a strong impact to the characteristics and path of the KEF.