Sediment Acoustics describes the development of a mathematical model to be used to predict the propagation characteristics of acoustic waves in marine sediments. The model is based on the classical theory of Maurice Biot. Over the past 20 years, R.D. Stoll has published many technical papers covering various stages of development and different applications of Biot's theory. This work is summarized in one reference volume for the first time and presents enough introductory material so that researchers and students may use the model without extensive literature searches. Scientists working in the areas of acoustical oceanography, marine seismology, and ocean engineering will find this monograph useful in predicting the wave velocity and attenuation of seafloor sediments based on the geology of an area and such measurable physical properties as porosity and geostatic stress. A simple, interactive computer program is given as an aid in calculating velocity and attenuation, and a number of examples from recent field experiments are presented so that the predictions of the model may be compared with the "ground truth."
