Ultrasonic characterization of marine sediments: A preliminary study

Ultrasonic waves (1 MHz and 2.25 MHz) were used to identify fluid mud and partially consolidated fine-grain sediment beds. The preliminary laboratory results indicate that both fine-grain sediments and coarse-grain sediments display distinguishable properties in terms of acoustic wave speed and attenuation rate. This approach can clearly detect the water-sediment interface with high resolution. It can also distinguish the consolidation status for a fine-grain sediment bed. Although the ultimate goal of measuring the vertical bulk density profile of a sediment bed still depends on more studies, the preliminary results are encouraging and indicate a new feasible method for field applications.