Accuracy in the localization of sperm whales resident in the strait of gibraltar using one hydrophone

Authors

  • Christophe Laplanche Lab. d'Info. Indust./d'Automatique, Université Paris XII, 61 av. du General de Gaulle, 94010 Créteil, France
  • Olivier Adam Lab. d'Info. Indust./d'Automatique, Université Paris XII, 61 av. du General de Gaulle, 94010 Créteil, France
  • Jean-François Motsch Lab. d'Info. Indust./d'Automatique, Université Paris XII, 61 av. du General de Gaulle, 94010 Créteil, France

Keywords:

Acoustic waves, Computer simulation, Error analysis, Hydrophones, Random processes, Signal theory, Localization methods, Random variables, Sperm whales, Water columns

Abstract

The geographical distribution in the Strait of Gibraltar of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and of four species of dolphins suggests some common foraging territories between the species, and a subsequent share of the water column. A localization method using one hydrophone at an unknown depth has been used here to estimate the foraging depth of sperm whales. The sperm whales tracked in the Main Channel of the Strait of Gibraltar have been found to be hunting at the bottom of the water column. The localization method calls for the use of a large vertical 4-hydrophone array. The accuracy of this method is assessed using random variables. A simple analytic expression the error on the depth of the source is then calculated. The results of the localization method are checked by considering an second sperm whale and a second hydrophone. Three ray propagation models have been compared to study the importance of the heterogeneity of the speed of sound in the localization process.

Additional Files

Published

2004-06-01

How to Cite

1.
Laplanche C, Adam O, Motsch J-F. Accuracy in the localization of sperm whales resident in the strait of gibraltar using one hydrophone. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 2004 Jun. 1 [cited 2025 Feb. 13];32(2):161-6. Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/1600

Issue

Vol. 32 No. 2 (2004)

Section

Proceedings of the Acoustics Week in Canada

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