Clustering of sound speed profiles using a parameterization technique

Knowledge of the underwater environment is synonymous of accurate understanding of how sound propagates. This fact is very important in naval operations, such as mine-counter measures (MCM) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW). In order to better understand the underwater environment, this paper presents a simple and fast approach for clustering sound speed profile (SSP) shapes towards inform decision makers in other tasks and operations. The proposed method is to define the shape of a SSP using a set of parameters. These parameters are then used for defining the different SSP clusters/groups. The technique is characterized by two phases: the linearisation, where a piecewise linear approximation is applied on each SSP, and the clustering phase, where SSP clusters are grouped and identified. The method is applied to live and real SSPs data available from the Gibraltar Strait, a challenging area from the point of view of the acoustic propagation, mixing fresh waters from the Atlantic Ocean and warm waters from the Mediterranean Sea.