Ultrasonic characterization of submerged sediments e.g. for navigational or dredging purposes, is supplemented by determination of other physical parameters to increase the assessment accuracy

摘要

The accuracy of predicting the nature of submerged surfaces or shoals using one or more ultrasound sensors (7,8) is improved by supplementing with one or more of the measurements: back scatter, attenuation, sound velocity, acoustic impedance, flow profile relative to the measurement probe. An independent claim is included for a tubular depth plumbing probe incorporating ultrasound sensors, an internal flow cell, and fitted with stabilizing/anti-rotation fins.