Measurement techniques of acoustic properties of marine sediments: a review

Due to the needs of resources exploration, military application, acoustic survey of geotechnical characteristics, research on acoustic wave propagation theory etc, the measurements of acoustic properties of marine sediments have been conducted for years. The sampling measurement technique and in-situ measurement technique of acoustic properties of marine sediments are reviewed herein, and the problems of the two measurement techniques above are summarized respectively. It is considered that developing the direct measurement techniques for acoustic properties of marine sediments at low frequencies is necessary next. To facilitate the contrastive study of acoustic properties and other properties of marine sediments, it is suggested that the measurements of other properties as well as acoustic properties of marine sediments in situ should be conducted. The in-situ measurement's efficiency should also be improved.