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Acoustic reflectors in the surface layers of deep sea sediments

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Abstract

Using ultrasonic scanning it is possible to display the position of an acoustic discontinuity within a sediment core and the amplitude of the reflected signal which results from it. From these results it has been possible to examine the effect of variations in the geotechnical properties on the reflection of compressional waves at normal incidence within the core at a frequency of 100 kHz. The occurrence of acoustic reflectors in the surface layers of North Atlantic sediments has also been examined.

Two ultrasonic scanning systems for the non-destructive testing of marine sediment cores have been developed. The performance of the two systems has been evaluated using the results from measurements made on a suite of marine sediment cores from the North Atlantic in conjunction with X-ray scanning and geological analysis of the same cores.

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Author notes

  1. D. M. McCann

    Present address: Marine Science Laboratories, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Geological Sciences, South Kensington, SW7, London, England

    D. M. McCann

  2. Marine Science Laboratories, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, N. Wales

    F. C. D. Dewes

Authors
  1. D. M. McCann
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  2. F. C. D. Dewes
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McCann, D.M., Dewes, F.C.D. Acoustic reflectors in the surface layers of deep sea sediments. Marine Geophysical Researches 1, 362–380 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00286739

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00286739

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