A Study on Multi-Path Channel Response of Acoustic Propagation in Northwestern Arabian Sea

Multi-path interference due to boundary reflection and variation of sound speed profile in underwater water acoustic communication pose the major barrier to reliable high-speed underwater communication system. Based on the sound speed profiles and the bathymetry data of northwestern Arabian Sea, Multipath impulse response profiles of the area have been obtained using Bellhop. The derived parameters like delay structure, effective transmit and receive angles suitable depths etc. from the obtained impulse responses have also been discussed. The impulse responses have been obtained for different scenarios of transmitter and receiver geometry to arrive at optimal configuration of wireless Acoustic communication/telemetry system for that area. This work can be used as a guide for the practical design of underwater acoustic wireless communication/telemetry system to be operated in this area which is critical to world oil exports.