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Comparison of high-resolution seismic profiles and the geoacoustic properties of Eckernförde Bay sediments

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Abstract

High-resolution seismic profiles of Eckernförde Bay and the adjacent Baltic Sea were collected, and the geoacoustic properties of sediments there were measured. Bulk densities averaged ~ 1.35 g cm−3 and ranged from ~ 1.2 to ~ 1.7 g cm−3. Compressional wave velocities in gas-free sediments averaged ~ 1460 m s−1 and ranged from ~ 1425 to ~ 1555 m s−1. In nongassy sediments, bulk density variations typically controlled changes of acoustic impedance. Impedance changes were usually too small and closely spaced to be resolved seismically, although, at certain sites, significant impedance changes are far apart enough that they correlate one-to-one with seismic reflectors. Where free gas is present, velocity decreases and wave energy is scattered, causing a prominent seismic reflector.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oceanography, Texas A&M University, 77843, College Station, Texas, USA

    Niall C. Slowey & William R. Bryant

  2. Naval Research Laboratory, Code 7431, Stennis Space Center, 39529, Mississippi, USA

    Douglas N. Lambert

Authors
  1. Niall C. Slowey
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  2. William R. Bryant
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  3. Douglas N. Lambert
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Slowey, N.C., Bryant, W.R. & Lambert, D.N. Comparison of high-resolution seismic profiles and the geoacoustic properties of Eckernförde Bay sediments. Geo-Marine Letters 16, 240–248 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01204515

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01204515

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