Personal reminiscences of a career in acoustical oceanography

Over recent years, ambient noise in the ocean has come to be recognized as a signal in its own right, containing a wealth of information about the ocean and ocean processes. Ambient noise has thus become a central pillar of acoustical oceanography. Since the attributes of ambient noise are based on straightforward physical principles, the noise field may be inverted to recover, for example, the sound speed in the seabed. Some selective examples of ambient noise oceanography will be reviewed, based on personal experiences gained during a career that includes research in the Arctic, the North Atlantic, the deep ocean trenches, and the shallow, continental shelf waters of the English Channel and the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of California. Much of this work was accomplished with the talented assistance of many students and colleagues; and it was made possible through the consistent support of our sponsors. It is a pleasure to acknowledge that, throughout, the Acoustical Society has provided a cordial environment where acoustical oceanographers could meet and are always made welcome. [Research supported by ONR.]Over recent years, ambient noise in the ocean has come to be recognized as a signal in its own right, containing a wealth of information about the ocean and ocean processes. Ambient noise has thus become a central pillar of acoustical oceanography. Since the attributes of ambient noise are based on straightforward physical principles, the noise field may be inverted to recover, for example, the sound speed in the seabed. Some selective examples of ambient noise oceanography will be reviewed, based on personal experiences gained during a career that includes research in the Arctic, the North Atlantic, the deep ocean trenches, and the shallow, continental shelf waters of the English Channel and the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of California. Much of this work was accomplished with the talented assistance of many students and colleagues; and it was made possible through the consistent support of our sponsors. It is a pleasure to acknowledge that, throughout, the Acoustical Society has provided a cordial envi...