Prediction of attenuation coefficient of sound waves in the Persian Gulf

The aim of this study is to predict attenuation coefficient of sound waves in the Persian Gulf whose experimental values are not available. In this study COHERENS which is a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model is employed in order to predict temperature, salinity and pressure in different layers. Also by adding the theoretical equation of attenuation coefficient into this model, relationship between salinity, temperature with attenuation coefficient of sound is calculated. Results of the model shown that the minimum monthly average values of attenuation coefficient in the bottom layer is occurs in July and August in the northern coasts of the strait of Hormuz as well as west northern part of the Persian Gulf near the Arvand river mouth. Also maximum monthly average values occur in February on the surface in southern parts of the Persian Gulf. Outputs of the model shown that monthly average of attenuation coefficient in bottom layer are greater than surface, whereas the attenuation coefficient on the bottom is smaller than the surface only in November, December, January and February