Abstract:
The sound velocity of deep-sea sediments is fundamental for constructing the acoustic field of the marine environment. This article tests and analyzes parameters such as longitudinal wave velocity, wet density, porosity, and median particle size of sediment column samples obtained from the deep waters of 4818-6630m in the West Philippine Sea. It elucidates the basic characteristics and vertical variations of acoustic and physical parameters of seabed sediments in the study area, explores the relationship between physical parameters and sound velocity, compares measured data with empirical equation predictions, and proposes four typical sound velocity structures of seabed sediments in the study area. The results show that the longitudinal wave velocity distribution of sediment ranges from 1460 to 1674m/s, the porosity ranges from 62.07% to 69.54%, the wet density varies from 1.34 to 1.62 g/cm
3, and the median particle size varies from 7.75 to 8.40 Φ. The variation of sediment parameters in the study area varies with depth, and density has a better effect on sound velocity than porosity and median particle size. By comparing the sound velocity of the bottom seawater, the sound velocity profile within the same layer, and the sound velocity of the lower surface of the upper seabed sediment,four types of sound velocity structure models were established in the research area: low velocity surface-low velocity layer-sound velocity reduction type (GMI1), low velocity surface-high velocity layer- sound velocity increase type (GMI2), high velocity surface-low velocity layer -sound velocity rreduction type (GMII1), and high velocity surface- high velocity layer - sound velocity increase type (GMII2).There are significant differences in the acoustic characteristics and sound velocity gradient changes of sediments in the southern (Zone A) and northern (Zone B) regions of the Central Rift Valley. Zone A can be divided into GMII1 and GMII1-GMI1 types, while Zone B can be divided into GMI2 and GMI1-GMII2 types.