An Investigation into the Acoustic Variability and the Attenuation of an Acoustic Signal within a Port Environment Focusing on Port Everglades, Florida

A methodology for characterizing the acoustical properties of a port environment,
namely Port Everglades, has been proposed and carried out. This approach includes both
a port-wide analysis of how the basic oceanographic features within the port impact the
acoustic properties, and also a more focused sampling methodology within a small region
of Port Everglades, allowing for the acoustic characteristics, including ambient noise, and
an approximate signal absorption to be computed.
The results documented through the duration of this research indicate that the
temperature variation throughout the port is the principal contributor to the characteristics
of the sound velocity profile. Ambient noise measurements have revealed high levels of
background noise within the sub-5 kHz region, owing likely to consistent port traffic.
The calculation of absorption indicates that high frequency systems, i.e. > 100 kHz, may
encounter problems when transmitting over a considerable distance. These are important
factors for consideration when implementing a successful underwater acoustic system.