A generalized beamformer for localization of marine mammals

Abstract A generic matched-field processor is used to analyze vocalizations and “gunshot” type sounds from North Atlantic right whales ( Eubalaena glacialis ), recorded on a horizontal array deployed on the seafloor in the Bay of Fundy, Canada. The replicas are computed using a normal mode propagation model based on an effective depth approximation due to Zhang and Tindle for obtaining the modes. The code is computationally efficient, though restricted to constant sound-speed water over an attenuating fluid or solid layered bottom. Error estimates for frequencies within the right whale vocalization range were obtained with a test source deployed at known locations.