O
TS MIL
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URF
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20
UNDERSTANDING WIRELESS UNDERWATER
COMMUNICATIONS
FACTORS THAT AFFECT WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS
There are many factors that affect the propagation of sound in water. The net
result is that communication in water can be affected by local conditions and the
kind and depth of dive being conducted. The following sections explain some of
the factors that can affect the operating range of underwater communication:
DISTANCE
The sound intensity from a source varies inversely with the distance from the
source. As the sound passes through the water, some of the energy is converted
to heat and some energy is scattered by fish, pilings, seaweed, bubbles, etc. In
addition, both the surface and bottom may affect the sound intensity by either
reflecting or diffusing sound waves. If the source is near the surface, there is a
point beyond which sound is not received from the source. This point is said to be
in a “Shadow Zone”. The distance from the source to the shadow zone is deter
-
mined by Thermoclines in the water.
Summary of Contents for MilCom Surface Station 6000S
Page 1: ...A B User Manual Surface Station...
Page 29: ...OTS MILCOM SURFACE 23 Notes...
Page 30: ...OTS MILCOM SURFACE 24 Notes...
Page 31: ...OTS MILCOM SURFACE 25 Notes...