Seabed characterization from statistical analysis of high‐frequency data

Results are presented from statistical analysis of experimental and simulated high‐frequency seabed backscatter data. The statistical laws employed in the analysis were the Rayleigh distribution, the Rayleigh mixture, and the K‐law. The significance of the distribution parameters and their estimation from the data are explained. The link between the parameters and seabed type has been theoretically examined through a detailed study of the variation of statistical laws with grazing angle. Experimental data were collected using a 150‐kHz wide‐band sonar at three different sites, providing different sediment types. The validity of the above statistical laws was investigated and found to be dependent on sonar geometry. The estimated parameters of the three distributions have been examined for their potential in seabed characterization. Simulations have been compared with experimental data for validation purposes. These results have then been used to investigate the theory developed beyond the scope of the rec...