Modelling of underwater ambient noise due to whitecaps

A theoretical model accounting for underwater ambient noise due to whitecap-generated bubbles and drop-impacts is developed to investigate the possible mechanisms of ocean noise generation. A general analysis is laid down, leading to expressions of the noise spectrum in an undefined environment. Subsequently the cases of isovelocity and stratified deep oceans are considered, and specific expressions are derived. The stratified deep ocean estimations of the directional spectrum are then compared to experimental data and a good agreement is found. Finally the absolute noise levels due to bubbles and drop impacts are discussed, and bubble noise is found to be larger than drop impact noise. The collective bubble oscillation hypothesis is also discussed, and although clues are given for and against this hypothesis no rigorous justification for this has been found.