Rapid computation of acoustic fields in three-dimensional ocean environments

Adiabatic and coupled-mode theory is amenable to precalculations that can subsequently be used in a nonredundant manner to perform rapid three-dimensional acoustic field computations for a complex ocean environment. Algorithms have been developed to take advantage of both horizontal and vertical precalculated quantities. Complex three-dimensional field computations are then reduced to ‘‘spreadsheet’’ type manipulations of partial solutions to the wave equation. The method is illustrated by applying it to a Gulf Stream environment near the continental shelf. Results from adiabatic, coupled-mode, and parabolic-equation computations are compared.