Parabolic equation solution of seismo-acoustics problems involving variations in bathymetry and sediment thickness.

Recent improvements in the parabolic equation method are combined to extend this approach to a larger class of seismo-acoustics problems. The variable rotated parabolic equation [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 120, 3534-3538 (2006)] handles a sloping fluid-solid interface at the ocean bottom. The single-scattering solution [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 121, 808-813 (2007)] handles range dependence within elastic sediment layers. When these methods are implemented together, the parabolic equation method can be applied to problems involving variations in bathymetry and the thickness of sediment layers. The accuracy of the approach is demonstrated by comparing with finite-element solutions. The approach is applied to a complex scenario in a realistic environment.